PAK vs SL 3rd Match Super Four, Asia Cup 2025, Match Prediction, Pitch Report, Playing XI & Injury Updates

In a high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 clash, Pakistan and Sri Lanka face a do-or-die Super 4 showdown. While Pakistan holds the historical T20I advantage, Sri Lanka's current momentum is undeniable, having won their last five encounters. With both teams coming off losses, this is more than a game—it's a battle for survival, with the winner keeping their final hopes alive.

Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – The Ultimate Do-or-Die Showdown

The Asia Cup Super 4 stage has just gotten a whole lot more intense! With both Pakistan and Sri Lanka coming off losses in their opening matches, the stage is set for a virtual knockout clash. This isn't just a cricket match; it's a battle for survival, where the loser will be all but eliminated from the race to the final. The pressure is immense, and every run, every wicket, and every moment of brilliance will be magnified.

Pakistan's campaign in the Super 4s hit a major roadblock against arch-rivals India. While their batting showed some promise with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub providing a solid start, the middle order faltered under pressure. The team couldn't capitalise on their strong beginning, and their bowling attack, which is usually a force to be reckoned with, struggled to contain the Indian batters. Shaheen Afridi, in particular, had a tough outing, going for runs without much success. Pakistan's performance against India highlighted a need for more depth and resilience in both departments.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, had a similarly disheartening experience. Coming into the Super 4s with a perfect record in the group stage, they faced a resilient Bangladesh side. While their batting, led by a counter-attacking innings from Dasun Shanaka, put up a competitive total, their bowlers couldn't defend it. A late-innings collapse with the bat and some ineffective bowling exposed a few chinks in their armour. The defending champions, who were unbeaten, suddenly found themselves on the back foot.

Now, both teams face a "do-or-die" scenario. For Pakistan, which is struggling with form and leadership issues, a win would be a massive morale booster and a step towards redemption. For Sri Lanka, it's about reclaiming their form and showing the world why they were so dominant in the group stages. The loser of this match will have their Asia Cup dreams shattered.

The upcoming match is expected to be a nail-biter. Sri Lanka has a recent edge over Pakistan in T20Is, having won their last five encounters. However, Pakistan's unpredictable nature and a strong record in Abu Dhabi, where the match will be played, cannot be ignored. The battle between Sri Lanka's formidable spin attack, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, and Pakistan's powerful but inconsistent batting line-up will be a key factor. This is more than just a game; it's a fight for survival and a chance to prove who truly belongs in the Asia Cup final.

Head-to-Head: PAK vs SL- Who Holds the Advantage?

Both the overall T20I record and the recent form between Pakistan and Sri Lanka present a mixed picture, making their upcoming match a genuine "do-or-die" encounter. Historically, Pakistan holds the advantage, having won 13 of their 23 T20I encounters, showcasing their long-standing strength in this format. However, a closer look at recent history reveals a completely different narrative. Sri Lanka has dominated the last five T20I matches against Pakistan, including a crucial victory in the 2022 Asia Cup Final. This recent winning streak gives the Sri Lankans a significant psychological edge and all the momentum. Therefore, while Pakistan can lean on its historical dominance, the pressure will be on them to break Sri Lanka's current winning streak and salvage their Asia Cup campaign. Let’s break down their head-to-head record to see who holds the edge ahead of the 3rd match super four of Asia Cup 2025:

Total Matches Played: 23

Pakistan Wins: 13

Sri Lanka Wins: 10

No Result/Abandoned Matches: 0

Recent Forms of Pakistan and Sri Lanka:

PAK:L W L W W 

SL: L W W W W  

PAK vs Sri Lanka Match Predictions: Who Holds the Advantage?

Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka enter this crucial Super 4 clash in the Asia Cup 2025 with one loss each, making this a do-or-die match. At the same time, historical records give Pakistan a slight edge with a 13-10 win-loss ratio in T20Is, recent form and momentum heavily favour Sri Lanka. The defending champions have won their last five T20I matches against Pakistan, including the 2022 Asia Cup final. This psychological advantage, combined with their strong group stage performance, where they won all three games, gives them a significant boost. 

Sri Lanka's batters, particularly Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, have been in excellent form. At the same time, their bowling attack, led by the likes of Nuwan Thushara and Wanindu Hasaranga, has been effective. On the other hand, Pakistan's batting has shown inconsistency, and their bowlers have struggled to contain stronger opponents. However, Pakistan's unpredictability and their favourable record at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi (where this match will be played) cannot be ignored. The pitch at this venue has also been more favourable for pacers, which could benefit Pakistan's star-studded fast bowling lineup. 

Overall, while Pakistan holds a historical advantage, Sri Lanka's recent dominance and better form in the tournament so far make them the favourites to win this match. They have a more settled team and a clearer strategy, and are likely to have a better grip on the ground conditions. Expect a close contest, but Sri Lanka's recent winning streak and momentum give them the definite advantage.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Squad Injury Update:

No Injury concerns.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match, Date, Time & Venue:

Match: PAK vs SL 3rd Match Super Four, Asia Cup 2025

Date: 23 September 2025

Time: 8:00 PM

Stadium: Sheikh Zayed Stadium

Location: Abu Dhabi

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Pitch Report:

Asia Cup 2025 3rd match super fuour between Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, will be played on 23 September at 8:00 PM in Seikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The Seikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi hosted a total of 96 T20 matches, 45 matches won batting first and 51 matches won batting 2nd and 0 matches with no result.  The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is generally considered a batting-friendly surface, especially at the beginning of a match. It provides good bounce, allowing batters to play their shots freely. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down. This change in pace brings spinners and bowlers with good variations into play, as they can get the ball to grip and turn. Due to the pitch's nature and the potential for dew in evening and night matches (particularly between October and March), captains often prefer to win the toss and bowl first, as chasing becomes easier under lights

T20I Stats	Value
Total Matches	96
Batting First Won	45
Bowling First Won	51
1st Innings Average Score	136
2nd Innings Average Score	123
Highest Total	225/7 by IRE vs AFG
Lowest Total	54/10 by USAW vs THAIW
Highest Chased	174/2 by SA vs IRE
Lowest Defended	93/8 by THAIW vs PNGW

Pakistan’s Key Players for Asia Cup 2025

Salman Ali Agha (Captain): As captain, his leadership and all-round skills—off-spin and middle-order batting—will be crucial for Pakistan. His ability to perform under pressure and set the tone will be key to their success.

Fakhar Zaman: A match-winner at the top, Fakhar's aggressive left-handed batting can dismantle any attack. His experience and knack for big scores will be vital in giving Pakistan strong starts.

Haris Rauf: Pakistan's premier pace bowler, Haris brings raw speed and sharp bouncers. Even without Shaheen Afridi, his ability to bowl at the death and take crucial wickets will be a game-changer.

Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper-Batsman): Known for his fearless batting and quick scoring, Haris can turn games in the powerplay. His contributions behind the stumps are just as significant.

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistan's pace spearhead, Shaheen's ability to take early wickets and deliver in the death overs makes him one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in the world..

Sri Lanka's Key Players:

Charith Asalanka (Captain): As the captain, Asalanka's leadership will be crucial. Beyond that, his aggressive left-handed batting in the middle order is vital for scoring quick runs and anchoring the innings under pressure.

Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka's premier all-rounder and one of the world's best leg-spinners. Hasaranga's ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs and provide explosive batting down the order makes him a genuine game-changer.

Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper-Batsman): A dynamic and aggressive top-order batsman, Kusal Mendis is known for his ability to provide brisk starts and play impactful innings. His contributions behind the stumps are also essential.

Maheesh Theekshana: The mystery spinner is a key wicket-taking option for Sri Lanka, particularly in the powerplay and middle overs. His variations and ability to bamboozle batters make him a significant threat.

Possible Playing 11 for Pakistan:

Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem

Possible playing 11 for Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

Also Read: Quinton De Kock Reverses ODI Retirement Back in ODI & T20I Squads for Pakistan Tour