In a high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Pakistan and Sri Lanka clashed in a crucial contest to keep their tournament hopes alive. Both teams had lost their opening Super Four games, making this encounter a must-win for qualification to the final.
Sri Lanka’s Struggles and Kamindu Mendis’ Fightback
Sri Lanka batted first and found runs hard to come by, losing wickets at regular intervals. At one stage, they were 58 for 5, struggling badly against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Kamindu Mendis emerged as the lone warrior for Sri Lanka, scoring a much-needed half-century off 43 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes. His gritty innings helped Sri Lanka cross 130 runs, reaching 133 for 8 by the end of their 20 overs.
Key middle-order batsmen like Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga offered little support, with Hasaranga dismissed by Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed, who celebrated by mimicking Hasaranga’s own signature celebration. Despite the fight from Mendis, Sri Lanka’s total was below par for the Abu Dhabi pitch, which has favored teams batting first with average scores around 165.
Pakistan’s Bowling Brilliance
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made a bold call to bowl first. This decision was vindicated by excellent bowling performances. Shaheen Afridi was the standout, taking three wickets and maintaining tight lines, while Hussain Talat supported with two crucial wickets early on. Abrar Ahmed’s economical spin spell (1/8 in 4 overs) restricted Sri Lanka’s scoring further, creating immense pressure.
The early strikes by Pakistan removed key Sri Lankan openers like Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka cheaply, keeping Sri Lanka’s middle order on the back foot throughout the innings.
The Path Ahead
This result kept Pakistan in a strong position as they aimed to chase down Sri Lanka’s modest total. The match marked a redemption opportunity for Pakistan after back-to-back defeats, including a loss to India. For Sri Lanka, the pressure now mounts as their hopes of reaching the final depend on strict bowling discipline and a strong batting chase in their Super Four games.
Thus, the match was a fine example of the tight margins and intense competition in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage, with Kamindu Mendis’s fifty standing out as a brave effort in a difficult batting lineup.
