Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan and Sri Lanka to clash; losing team could be eliminated

After losing against India and Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a very limited chance to qualify for the finals of the Asia Cup. If any team loses today, it will be out of the tournament. It will be a knockout.

New Delhi: The 2025 Asia Cup is now in its final stages, with the top four teams—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh—having entered the Super Four. India defeated Pakistan in their first Super Four match, while Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka.

Consequently, today's match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is a do-or-die one, as the losing team is almost certain to be eliminated from the tournament.

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Who has the better chance of winning?

According to the Match Prediction Meter, this match is going to be a close one. Although Pakistan is considered a slight favorite, Sri Lanka's form cannot be ignored. Both teams have players who can single-handedly turn the match around.

Pitch Report: A Batsman's Paradise

The match will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This ground favors batsmen, and a high-scoring contest is highly likely. Sri Lanka played two matches at this ground in the league stage, winning both. The team winning the toss may choose to chase the target, as it is considered easier to chase here.

Both teams in a close contest

Pakistan and Sri Lanka appear to be evenly matched on paper. However, Sri Lanka possesses more aggressive batsmen who could turn the match around. In terms of head-to-head record, Pakistan has defeated Sri Lanka 13 times, while Sri Lanka has won 10 times. Given Sri Lanka's recent good form, the contest could be a close one.

Probable Playing XI

Pakistan:

Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha (captain), Hasan Nawaz/Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza/Shaheen Afridi

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Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Today's match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka could prove to be the most exciting contest of the Asia Cup 2025. Both teams will be giving their all as a defeat threatens to eliminate them from the tournament. The audience is expecting an exciting match.