“Asia Cup 2025 Super Four – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka preview. Get today’s toss update, pitch report, playing XI, key players, and expert match prediction for the Abu Dhabi clash on September 23, 2025.”
Date: September 23, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM IST / 6:30 PM UAE Local Time
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Introduction
The Asia Cup 2025 has now reached its most exciting phase – the Super Four stage. With only two spots available in the Grand Final, every match feels like a do-or-die affair. Today’s clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka promises high-quality cricket, excitement, and drama.
Both teams have already lost their opening Super Four matches – Pakistan lost to arch-rivals India, while Sri Lanka was shocked by Bangladesh. This means that today’s match is essentially a knockout: the losing team risks being eliminated from the final race.
Team Form Guide
Pakistan
Pakistan entered the Super Four with confidence, but their defeat to India exposed some shortcomings. Their batting hasn’t lived up to expectations. Some players are getting good starts but failing to convert them into match-winning innings.
Batting: Sahibzada Farhan has been their most consistent run-scorer so far. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub have played some good innings but haven’t been able to convert them into big scores. The middle order is struggling to provide stability under pressure.
Bowling: Pakistan’s bowling remains their biggest strength. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are dangerous with the new ball. In spin, Abrar Ahmed provides variety, but the attack will need to work as a unit to stop Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka
Despite losing to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka is one of the most balanced teams in this Asia Cup. Their batting depth and all-round options give them a slight edge.
Batting: Pathum Nissanka has been their best batsman, regularly providing solid starts. Kusal Mendis and captain Dasun Shanaka have also made significant contributions.
Bowling: Wanindu Hasaranga remains their trump card. His ability to break partnerships in the middle overs is crucial. Nuwan Thushara has impressed with the new ball, troubling batsmen with his pace and mobility.
Pitch and Conditions
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is traditionally a good ground for limited-overs cricket.
The average first innings score in this Asia Cup has been around 160-165 runs.
Teams batting first have won more often, but teams chasing targets have also been successful due to the dew factor.
Bowlers, especially fast bowlers, enjoy early momentum under floodlights. The spinners’ role becomes crucial in the middle overs, as the pitch becomes slightly grippier.
Dew factor: There may be some dew in the second innings, but not always enough to completely neutralise the bowlers.
Toss Prediction
The toss in Abu Dhabi is always a topic of discussion. Looking at recent trends:
If Sri Lanka wins the toss, they are likely to bowl first. Their bowlers, especially Thushara and Hasaranga, can take advantage of early movement and put Pakistan on the back foot.
Pakistan may also choose to bowl first, as the pressure of chasing often eases when you know the target.
Predicted Toss Result: Sri Lanka wins the toss and opts to field first.
Key Contests
Shaheen Afridi vs. Pathum Nissanka
Afridi’s inswinger with the new ball could test Nissanka’s technique. Whoever wins this match can set the tone early on.
Wanindu Hasaranga vs. Pakistan’s Middle Order
Pakistan’s middle order has been weak. Hasaranga will try to exploit this weakness with his variations.
Sahibzada Farhan vs. Sri Lanka’s New Bowling Attack
Farhan has been Pakistan’s most reliable batsman. If he settles, Pakistan can post a competitive score.
Match Scenario
Scenario 1: Pakistan will bat first
If early wickets fall, Pakistan can score around 150-165 runs.
With a stable batting order, Sri Lanka can chase the target relatively easily.
Scenario 2: Sri Lanka will bat first
If the top order performs well, Sri Lanka can score around 160-175 runs.
Pakistan may have difficulty chasing the target unless one of the openers plays a big innings.
Players to Watch
Pakistan
- Sahibzada Farhan: Needs to anchor the innings.
- Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan’s strike bowler in the powerplay.
- Abrar Ahmed: Can be a surprise weapon in the middle overs.
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka: Consistent performance at the top of the order; crucial for the chase.
Wanindu Hasaranga: Match-winning with both bat and ball.
Nuwan Thushara: Likely to trouble Pakistan’s openers with swing and pace.
Predicted Playing XI
Pakistan
- Fakhar Zaman
- Saim Ayub
- Shahabzada Farhan
- Babar Azam (c)
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
- Mohammad Nawaz
Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper)
- Charith Asalanka
- Dasun Shanaka (c)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Chamika Karunaratne
- Nuwan Thushara
- Kasun Rajitha
- Mahesh Theekshana
Match Prediction
Taking into account form, conditions, and pressure:
Toss: Sri Lanka likely to win, bowl first.
Winner Prediction: Sri Lanka
Rationale:
Strong batting depth and a more consistent middle order.
Hasaranga’s ability to control the middle overs.
Pakistan’s recent struggles under pressure.
Possible Outcome: Sri Lanka could win by 5-6 wickets if chasing, or by around 15-20 runs if defending.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just another Asia Cup match. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are desperate for points, so the pressure will be immense. Small things—a dropped catch, a misfield, or a short innings—can change the course of the match.
Still, overall, Sri Lanka will enter this match as slight favorites. If Pakistan is to turn the tables, they will need a good start from their top order and early runs from their bowlers.
Whatever happens, cricket fans are in for an exciting evening in Abu Dhabi as the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025 reaches its climax.
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