Abu Dhabi: It is one of those rare encounters where history weighs heavily on the players before the first ball is bowled. Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in a crucial Asia Cup 2025 Super Four game at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, and the stakes could not be higher.
For Pakistan, a team that has grown comfortable at this venue, winning their last six games, including three against the Sri Lankans, the task is to continue their momentum.
For Sri Lanka, however, it is a battle not just against the opposition, but against a series of disappointing memories in Abu Dhabi, having lost their last five matches here.
Salman Agha’s side carries the burden of a recent loss to India, where despite a promising batting display, the bowling attack faltered.
Agha will look for his top order, led by Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, to provide a confident start. Saim Ayub has begun to find his touch, and partnerships in the middle order with Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz will be crucial.
With power hitters like Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Shaheen Afridi, and Faheem Ashraf waiting in the wings, Pakistan has the firepower to post a challenging total or chase one convincingly.
The onus will also be on Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf to strike early and set the tone, while Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, and Nawaz will be tasked with keeping the pressure on the Lankan batsmen.
Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, arrives bruised by a narrow loss to Bangladesh, where the middle order failed to keep pace with the required run rate. Yet, hope flickers in the form of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, who have shown glimpses of brilliance.
Dasun Shanaka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, and the lower middle order will be expected to contribute quick runs, while the bowlers — Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Dunith Wellalage, and Wanindu Hasaranga — must find breakthroughs early to prevent Pakistan from running away with the game.
The Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium itself is a silent but influential participant. A batting-friendly pitch with fast outfields encourages stroke play, yet spinners can turn the ball effectively, offering an edge to a well-prepared side.
Teams chasing have often found success here, winning 13 of the last 20 games. With clear skies expected, conditions should allow both sides to play their natural game, but the pressure of the occasion will test temperament as much as skill.
While the contest promises to be closely fought, the scales tip ever so slightly towards Pakistan. Their combination of strong batting, disciplined bowling, and familiarity with Abu Dhabi makes them favourites.
But cricket has a way of humbling favourites, and Sri Lanka will look to overturn history in a contest that could hinge on a single inspired innings or a decisive spell of bowling.
Predicted Playing XI:
Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
