Asia Cup: Pakistan and Sri Lanka seek redemption after slow Super 4 starts

Pakistan and Sri Lanka face a crucial Super 4 clash in the Asia Cup on Tuesday, September 23.

At the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Both teams are under pressure, knowing a loss could severely dent their chances of advancing in the tournament.

Pakistan’s Challenges

Pakistan enters this do-or-die match after a heavy defeat to India on September 21. Their campaign has been inconsistent, with wins against associates Oman and UAE offset by losses to stronger sides. With must-win games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh coming up, Pakistan cannot afford any mistakes.

The team’s middle order and fielding have been major concerns. In the loss to India, Pakistan were 91/1 at one stage but collapsed to 121/4 between overs 11 and 16. Husain Talat’s 10 off 11 balls highlighted the fragility of the middle order. Fielding lapses also proved costly, allowing India’s Abhishek Sharma to score a match-winning 74 after being dropped twice. Pakistan needs to tighten both batting and fielding to remain in contention.

Sri Lanka’s Hurdles

Sri Lanka also needs redemption after losing their Super 4 opener to Bangladesh. They posted 168/7 but saw Bangladesh chase it down in under 20 overs. While Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis provided a strong start, the middle order collapsed. Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 64 was insufficient, and the spin attack, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, lacked support. Reintroducing Maheesh Theekshana, who impressed with 2/19 in the group stage, could strengthen Sri Lanka’s bowling and ease the burden on Hasaranga.

Match Outlook

The Abu Dhabi pitch is slow and favors spin, making the middle overs crucial. Teams that bat well in the powerplay and utilize spinners effectively are likely to gain an advantage.

Match Details:

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time: 8 pm IST

Livestream: SonyLiv app and Sony Sports Network

Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

With both teams under pressure, this match promises high stakes, intense battles in the middle overs, and a must-win scenario for survival in the Asia Cup.