Asia Cup Super 4s: Sri Lanka and Pakistan Aim to Bounce Back
Both teams seek their first Super 4 win after early setbacks in the critical Asia Cup stage.
Defending champions Sri Lanka and a beleaguered Pakistan will collide in a high-stakes Super 4s encounter on Tuesday, both desperate to secure their first win in the Asia Cup's knockout qualification phase. After cruising unbeaten through the group stage, Sri Lanka suffered a shocking four-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in their opener, ending an eight-match T20 winning streak in the tournament. Pakistan, meanwhile, is reeling from a second loss to archrivals India on Sunday, compounded by off-field distractions that have overshadowed their inconsistent performances. The match, starting at 8pm IST at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, could prove pivotal for both sides' semifinal hopes.
India tops the Super 4s table with two points and a superior net run rate, followed by Bangladesh on the same points tally. Sri Lanka and Pakistan languish in third and fourth, respectively, intensifying the pressure on the latter's stand-in captain, Salman Agha. Without former skipper Babar Azam and senior batter Mohammad Rizwan—absent due to reported internal team dynamics—Pakistan's batting lineup has been exposed for its lack of depth and composure under pressure. Against India, openers Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub provided a bright start with 90/1, but the middle order collapsed, underscoring persistent issues in sustaining momentum. Ayub's knock offered personal redemption after three ducks, but it wasn't enough to salvage the chase.
Pakistan's bowling has fared no better, with leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed struggling against top-tier opposition after early success against minnows like Oman and the UAE. The unit leaked runs against India's aggressive batting, highlighting tactical vulnerabilities. For Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh loss exposed a brittle middle order, though Dasun Shanaka's aggressive 50 at No. 5 provided a silver lining. Opener Pathum Nissanka, who notched back-to-back fifties in the groups, has cooled off, placing reliance on in-form Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis for stability. Pacer Nuwan Thushara has been a standout, claiming six wickets to rank fourth in the tournament, supported by spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and part-timers Charith Asalanka and Shanaka.
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A morale boost for Sri Lanka comes with all-rounder Dunith Wellalage's return after a brief absence following his father's passing last week, adding depth to an already versatile squad. Pakistan, under Agha's leadership, faces a must-win scenario to revive their campaign in the six-team continental tournament, which features host-led rotations across UAE and Sri Lanka venues. As both teams address their frailties—Sri Lanka's batting fragility and Pakistan's leadership void—this showdown promises fireworks, with the winner gaining crucial momentum ahead of the final Super 4s fixtures.
Teams (from): Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana. Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr., Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, and Sufyan Moqim.
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