PAK vs SL Match Preview – Two of Asian’s traditional powerhouses, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, are set to lock horns in a crucial Asia Cup 2025 encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday, September 23rd. Both teams boast a rich history in the tournament and will be eager to assert their dominance in what promises to be a thrilling contest under the desert lights.
Pakistan, known for their fiery pace attack and unpredictable batting lineup, will be looking to make a strong statement. Sri Lanka, the reigning champions from the 2022 T20 edition, will be confident in their well-rounded squad and their ability to perform on the big stage. This match is expected to be a classic encounter, with both sides possessing the talent to go all the way in the tournament.
PAK vs SL Match Details
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head in T20Is
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a storied rivalry in the shortest format of the game. They have faced each other 23 times in T20 Internationals, with Pakistan holding a slight edge with 13 victories to Sri Lanka’s 10. However, Sri Lanka famously defeated Pakistan in the final of the 2022 Asia Cup, a memory that will be fresh in the minds of both teams.
PAK vs SL Pitch Report: Sheikh Zayed Stadium
The pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium is known for its balanced nature, offering something for both batsmen and bowlers. In the initial overs, the new ball tends to come onto the bat nicely, allowing for good stroke play. As the game progresses, the surface is expected to slow down, bringing the spinners into play. The larger boundaries will also test the power-hitting abilities of the batsmen. With the match being played in the evening, dew could be a factor in the second innings, potentially making it easier for the team chasing. The captain winning the toss might be inclined to bowl first to take advantage of any dew later on. A score in the range of 160-170 is expected to be competitive.
PAK vs SL Weather Report
The weather in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday is expected to be hot and humid, typical for this time of year. There is no chance of rain, so a full, uninterrupted match is on the cards. The temperature will likely be around 36°C at the start of the match and will cool down as the evening progresses. The high humidity will test the fitness levels of the players.
PAK vs SL Squads
Pakistan (PAK): Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Agha Salman (C), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (WK), Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Muhammad Wasim, Hassan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Salman Mirza, Hasan Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Sri Lanka (SL): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera (WK), Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu-Mendis Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana.
PAK vs SL Possible Playing11
Pakistan (PAK): Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Agha Salman (C), Mohammad Haris, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka (SL): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu-Mendis Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera.
PAK vs SL Match Prediction
This is a tough match to call, with both teams possessing significant strengths. Pakistan’s pace battery of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf can dismantle any batting lineup on their day. Their batting, however, has been inconsistent, and they will need their top order to fire.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, appears to be a more balanced unit. Their batting has depth with the likes of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Charith Asalanka. Their biggest asset is their world-class spin attack led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, who could be a handful on the Abu Dhabi surface.
Given the conditions that are likely to favor spin and Sri Lanka’s recent success in the Asia Cup, they might have a slight edge. However, if Pakistan’s pacers can make early inroads, the game could swing in their favor. Expect a closely contested match, with the team that handles the pressure situations better emerging victorious.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to win a tight contest.
