Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the 15th match in the 2025 Asia Cup at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 23. Following a six-wicket loss to their archrivals India in their Super Four opener, Pakistan must bounce back. Salman Ali Agha’s team needs to win this game to keep semifinal hopes alive.
The Lankans are in an even more problematic situation after losing their Super Four opener against Bangladesh by four wickets. Having won all three in the group stage, the Lankan Lions failed to defend 169. A second loss may well mean an exit from the tournament.
This match is essentially a virtual eliminator, with the loser likely going out of the competition. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka need to win this game to keep their hopes alive. On paper, Sri Lanka’s balanced lineup consisting of Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana holds a slight favor. But Pakistan’s unpredictability, combined with a home record at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, does level the field between the two sides.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Details
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Super Four, Match 15, Asia Cup 2025 |
| Venue | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| Date & Time | Tuesday, September 23, 8 pm (IST) |
| Live Broadcast and Streaming | Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV, FanCode & YuppTV (App & Website) |
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 23 |
| Won by Pakistan | 13 |
| Won by Sri Lanka | 10 |
| No Result | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
Pitch Report
Until now, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium has hosted seven games in the 2025 Asia Cup. The average first-innings score generated is around 165. Four times out of seven, the team batting first has registered a victory. Bowlers seem to have an edge this Tuesday. Taking wickets during the middle overs can turn out to be fruitful for both teams.
Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka—Virtual Eliminator Analysis
Pakistan’s Strengths
Home advantage at Sheikh Zayed Stadium provides crucial familiarity with conditions and crowd support in this must-win eliminator scenario. Salman Ali Agha’s leadership under pressure, combined with Pakistan’s renowned unpredictability factor, could produce match-winning performances when backs are against the wall in knockout-style situations.
Pakistan’s Weaknesses
Recent six-wicket defeat to India exposes batting fragilities and confidence issues that could resurface against Sri Lanka’s balanced bowling attack. Mounting pressure from consecutive losses and semifinal qualification dependency may trigger psychological collapse, while inconsistent tournament form raises questions about the team’s ability to deliver under elimination pressure.
Sri Lanka’s Strengths
Balanced lineup featuring Pathum Nissanka’s consistent batting, Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round capabilities, and Maheesh Theekshana’s mystery spin provides multiple match-winning options. Perfect group stage record (3-0 victories) demonstrates tournament momentum and a winning mentality, while experience in high-pressure situations offers tactical advantages in virtual eliminator encounters.
Sri Lanka’s Weaknesses
Shocking four-wicket collapse against Bangladesh despite posting 169 reveals defensive vulnerabilities and execution failures under pressure in crucial moments. First Super Four defeat has potentially shattered confidence and momentum built during group stage dominance, while elimination scenario pressure could trigger mental fragility in winner-takes-all knockout-style cricket encounters.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XIs
Pakistan (PAK): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka (SL): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara.
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