HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2025, Super Four - 3 T20- Result, Scorecard

Back with the chase! The players of Sri Lanka are out there, dispersing to take their respective positions, while the two openers of Pakistan stride out as well. Sahibzada Farhan will open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman. Nuwan Thushara will start the proceedings. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, 134 is what stands between Pakistan and the crucial two points. The pitch has grip, but not unplayable demons, and with dew potentially aiding batting later, the Pakistani openers will fancy making the most of the Powerplay. Sri Lanka’s only hope lies in early wickets with the new ball, or else Pakistan might stroll home in this crunch game. The chase is in a bit, so hop on!

From there, it was always going to be a rescue act. Wanindu Hasaranga was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed, who was absolutely BRILLIANT with his spell of 4-0-8-1, choking the middle overs. Kamindu Mendis, however, stood tall under pressure with a fighting 50 and stitched a small stand with Chamika Karunaratne. Together they eked out some runs, but Pakistan’s discipline with the ball never let the Lankans break free. Shaheen ended with 3/28, while Haris Rauf picked two, ensuring the target stayed within Pakistan’s reach.

The skipper, Salman Agha, won the toss and invited Sri Lanka to bat first. It all began with Shaheen Afridi breathing fire with the new ball, dismissing Kusal Mendis for a duck on just the second delivery and then Pathum Nissanka soon after, reducing Sri Lanka to 18/2. Kusal Perera’s brief counter was cut short by Haris Rauf after a STUNNING catch from Faheem Ashraf, leaving the Lankans rattled at 43/3 inside the Powerplay. Skipper Charith Asalanka tried to steady things, but Hussain Talat’s twin strikes in back-to-back balls, including Asalanka and the dangerous in-form Shanaka, left them reeling at 58/5.

Is this enough? A total of 133? On a big night in Abu Dhabi, it certainly doesn’t feel like, as Sri Lanka have stumbled to a MODEST score in this crucial Super Four clash. Pakistan, who came in under pressure after their last defeat, have bowled with fire and precision. The last few overs saw Kamindu Mendis complete a fighting half-century before Shaheen Afridi struck again, and despite his resistance, the Lankans could not stretch beyond 133/8. Who has the edge? Surely, Pakistan do.

Haris Rauf to Chamika Karunaratne, A couple of runs to end the innings! Rauf sticks to the pace off option and this is on a good length, on off. Chamika Karunaratne waits deep in the crease but does not quite get hold of it as he hoicks across the line. Gets it to the right of deep mid-wicket. There is a slight misfield in the deep and Chamika is keen for the third run but Maheesh isn't. A brace on the final ball results in Sri Lanka ending with 133 on the board!

Haris Rauf to Maheesh Theekshana, Bye sneaked through! Pace off by Haris, fuller in length, outside off. Maheesh Theekshana has a swing at it but is deceived by the slowness of the delivery. Fails to connect but Maheesh gets called through for a bye by his partner. The keeper, Mohammad Haris collects and rolls an underarm throw at the batting end. He hits and it is sent upstairs. The replays show that Chamika Karunaratne is home.

Maheesh Theekshana is in at 10.

Haris Rauf to Dushmantha Chameera, OUT! CAUGHT! A well-judged catch from Salman Agha and the change in length has worked for Haris Rauf! After bowling on the fuller side for the first half of the over, Haris pulls the length back and hits the deck hard. This is around the off stump, and Chameera sets up deep in the crease. Aims to go down the ground, but the ball skids through and it gets spooned behind mid off. Agha runs over his right shoulder, keeps his eyes on the ball all the way through and stretches his hands out in front to grab it.

Haris Rauf to Chamika Karunaratne, Nails the yorker, on off. Chamika Karunaratne squeezes it out in front of mid off for a single.

Haris Rauf to Chamika Karunaratne, Sneaked through and it has rapped Chamika Karunaratne on the pads! Haris Rauf is up for an appeal for LBW, but it is turned down. Salman Agha reluctantly takes the review. Bowled with an upright seam, honing in at the stumps, full in length. Chamika clears the front leg out of the way and has a swipe across the line. The ball hits the back pad and rolls in front of short fine leg, but the batters do not run. The UltraEdge shows a spike when the ball is next to the bat, confirming an inside edge.

Haris Rauf to Chamika Karunaratne, FOUR! Off the edge but they all count! Off-pace delivery, on a length, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne swings hard to go big on the leg side. Gets an outside edge that sails over short third for a boundary.

Just 7 off the last over. 140 looks tough for Sri Lanka from here. Haris Rauf will bowl these final six deliveries while Chamika Karunaratne is on strike, who has struggled so far with a sluggish inning of 10 (17). Also, Pakistan have been penalised for not completing their overs on time, and they have to call an extra fielder inside the circle for the final over.

Shaheen Afridi to Chamika Karunaratne, Attacking the stumps, at 141.4 kph, Chamika Karunaratne hits it firmly in front of mid off and is quick to set off for the run. The mid off fielder collects and fires in a throw on the bounce to the bowling end. Afridi gets up to the stumps but fails to gather the ball. Breaks the stumps without having the ball in his hand. Chamika was in anyway.

Shaheen Afridi to Dushmantha Chameera, Very full, on middle, Dushmantha Chameera digs it out in front of mid on and takes a quick single.

Dushmantha Chameera is the new batter in.

Shaheen Afridi to Kamindu Mendis, OUT! LBW! Pakistan get the review right and Shaheen Afridi has struck at a crucial juncture in the game. A searing yorker from over the wicket, angled in at the toes. Mendis looks to get his bat down, but plays down the wrong line. The ball sneaks past the inside edge to crash into the right boot. A massive appeal for LBW but turned down. Looks to be sliding down leg, but Salman Agha takes the review. The UltraEdge shows no bat, and the Ball Tracking shows three reds with the ball crashing into the leg pole. Mendis departs for 50 (44). The 43-run stand is broken, and Sri Lanka are now 123/7.

Shaheen Afridi to Kamindu Mendis, FIFTY FOR KAMINDU! A fighting knock from Mendis. His side needs him to bat through and deliver a strong finish. Shaheen takes pace off and goes into the surface, over middle. Mendis swings across the line and does not quite get hold of it. Gets more height than the distance, but the ball drops away from the deep mid-wicket fielder to his left. With this brace, Mendis reaches his 3rd half-century in T20Is.

Shaheen Afridi to Kamindu Mendis, Wide! Attempts the wide yorker and gets the length correct but not the line. Wide given as this goes beyond the tramline on the off side.

Shaheen Afridi to Kamindu Mendis, Missed out! Afridi goes searching for the yorker but ends up serving a thigh-high full toss, tailing back into the left-hander. Mendis is late on the shot and mishits it back towards the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Kamindu Mendis, Wide! This slips just outside the tramline on off, on a good length. Kamindu Mendis swings to go down the ground but fails to connect.

Shaheen Afridi to Chamika Karunaratne, Off-cutter from Afridi from around the wicket, on a back of a length. Chamika delays his bat swing after spotting the slower one and taps it wide of cover for a single.

With 13 off the last over, how many runs are Sri Lanka aiming for from this position? At least 140? But for that, Kamindu Mendis will have to play till the end. Also, Shaheen Afridi returns to bowl his final and the 19th over of the inning.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamindu Mendis, SIX! Deposited onto the grass banks! 13 runs off the over. Ashraf pulls the length back and bowls the off-pace delivery, on off. Kamindu waits on the back foot and pummels it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Faheem Ashraf to Chamika Karunaratne, Nails the yorker, outside off. Karunaratne is deep in his crease but can't do much about it and just squeezes it out to long on for one more.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamindu Mendis, Angled away, slower one, on a nagging length. Mendis swings early and drags it off the toe end of the bat towards long on for another single.

Faheem Ashraf to Chamika Karunaratne, Into the surface, outside off, Chamika flat bats it down to long on for one.

Faheem Ashraf to Chamika Karunaratne, FOUR! Picks the gap nicely! Faheem sticks to the wide line on off, on a back of a length. Karunaratne takes a step across the stumps to get closer to the line of the ball and waits for the ball to arrive. Slaps it all along the ground between deep backward point and deep cover for a boundary.

Faheem Ashraf to Chamika Karunaratne, Chamika shows his cards early as he gives the bowler the charge. Faheem spots it and pushes the ball near the tramline on off. Karunaratne is made to reach out and he gets an under-edge that rolls in front of the keeper. A bit of hesitation for the single but Mendis sends his partner back in time.

Another change? Yes, Faheem Ashraf is back. 3-0-21-0 so far.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, A well-disguised slower one, in the channel on off, on a short of a length. Kamindu Mendis swings across the line but does so early. Connects with thin air.

Haris Rauf to Chamika Karunaratne, At the stumps, at 142 kph, on a length. Karunaratne swipes it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, Almost trickled back onto the stumps! On a good length, on middle. Kamindu Mendis clears his front leg and has a heave across the line. Gets an inside edge that goes onto hit the back thigh and it drops behind him. The ball rolls in the direction of the stumps and stops in front of the furniture. Chamika calls Mendis through for a quick single and he gets home before Rauf gets to the ball.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, Serves the slower one, almost in the blockhole, on off. Kamindu drills it to extra cover.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, Pace on this time, on a length. Kamindu gets his hands through the ball quickly and hits it to the right of deep cover for a couple of runs. Haris wanted a better effort from the fielder in the deep but two looked always on.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! In the gap! Rauf steams in from around the wicket and starts with the off-pace delivery. At 123.2 kph, on the fuller side, on off. Kamindu smears it uppishly but to the left of deep mid-wicket for a one-bounce boundary. Also, 100 is up for Sri Lanka.

Change. Haris Rauf returns. 2-0-22-1 so far.

Hussain Talat to Chamika Karunaratne, Near the tramline on off, on a back of a length. Chamika Karunaratne throws his hands at the ball but it is the slower one which does not bounce much and goes under the blade.

Hussain Talat to Kamindu Mendis, Angled away, on a good length, carved to deep point for one more.

Hussain Talat to Kamindu Mendis, Hussain does not offer any pace again, on a back of a length. Kamindu Mendis reaches out and ends up dragging it towards the bowler. Talat cuts it off to his left.

Hussain Talat to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Streaky but Kamindu Mendis won't mind it! Talat rolls his fingers over the ball and pushes it away from the batter, on a length. Mendis swings hard to go big on the off side. Gets an outside edge that sails over short third for a boundary.

Hussain Talat to Kamindu Mendis, Another off-pace delivery and the length is pulled back, around off. Mendis walks across and shovels it to the right of the diving Abrar Ahmed at short fine leg. It is mopped up by the fielder in the deep. Another brace for Mendis.

Hussain Talat to Kamindu Mendis, Pace off, going across the batter, on a length. Kamindu Mendis walks across for the scoop but there is no pace for him to work with. Manages to clear short fine leg but the ball does not have enough legs to reach the fence. Abrar Ahmed gives it a good chase and hauls it in with a slide. Two runs taken.

Abrar Ahmed to Chamika Karunaratne, Just one run and an amazing spell comes to an end. Full and outside off, Chamika taps it with soft hands to backward point. Abrar Ahmed ends his night with impressive figures of 4-0-8-1.

Abrar Ahmed to Chamika Karunaratne, Taken at first slip and there is a massive appeal, but the umpire shakes his head. Pakistan instantly take a review. Abrar tosses it up, full and around middle, Chamika Karunaratne gets down and goes across on one knee to sweep but misses. The ball goes above the bat and hits his left forearm to lob up behind the wickets, where Salman Agha moves to his left from first slip and takes it. Nothing on the UltraEdge and the Ball Tracking suggests that it would have gone past the leg stump. Pakistan burn a review here.

Abrar Ahmed to Chamika Karunaratne, Another dot! Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler off the front foot.

Abrar Ahmed to Chamika Karunaratne, Turns away a bit, short and around off, Karunaratne adjusts well on his back foot to defend it again.

Abrar Ahmed to Chamika Karunaratne, A googly, full and around middle, Chamika comes forward and defends it.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Shorter and slower, on the pads, Mendis tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamindu Mendis, On a good length and around off, Mendis looks to cut it but gets an outside edge that rolls down towards short third for a single.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamindu Mendis, On a hard length and around middle, Kamindu Mendis goes back and pulls it to the left of long on. Haris Rauf runs to his left and dives to cut it off to save two runs for his side. The third umpire is called in to have a check and he confirms that Rauf has done well.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamindu Mendis, Again, switches to over the wicket, bowls it on a length, wide outside off, Kamindu throws his hands at it but gets an underedge back to the keeper, who collects it on the bounce.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamindu Mendis, Hard length, angling in, around middle, from around the wicket, Mendis pulls it to the left of deep backward square leg and picks up two runs.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamindu Mendis, A swing and a miss! On a good length and going across the batter, outside off, Kamindu Mendis backs away and looks to slash but connects with thin air only.

Faheem Ashraf to Kamindu Mendis, On a length and around off, stays a bit low, Kamindu swipes it to short fine and wants a single but is sent back by his partner.

Abrar Ahmed to Chamika Karunaratne, Slower and fuller, around middle, Chamika defends it to his leg side.

Abrar Ahmed to Chamika Karunaratne, Another googly, turning in, outside off, Chamika Karunaratne strides forward and looks to block it but gets an inside edge that dribbles away beside the pitch on the leg side.

Abrar Ahmed to Chamika Karunaratne, Nagging length and on the pads, tucked to mid-wicket off the back foot.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, A bit shorter and slower, around off, KM taps it with soft hands towards short third and calls his partner for a quick single.

Abrar Ahmed to Chamika Karunaratne, A leg break, full and around middle, Chamika Karunaratne doesn't pick it up and tries to flick it but gets an inside edge towards backward square leg for one.

Chamika Karunaratne is in at number 8.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Abrar Ahmed strikes and performs the Wanindu Hasaranga signature celebration. Surely, that won't sit well with the Lankans. Abrar floats it up, keeps it fuller and around middle, a googly, turning back in. Wanindu gets down on one knee and tries to sweep it, but the ball turns back in and sneaks under the bat to crash into the middle stump. Wanindu departs for 15 (13) and Sri Lanka are in deep, deep trouble at 80/6.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, Hard length and around off, Kamindu dabs it down to backward point. Sri Lanka are 80/5.

Haris Rauf to Wanindu Hasaranga, Again, short of a good length and around middle, angling in from wide of the crease, WH eases it down to long on for a single.

Haris Rauf to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! SLAPPED! Back of a length and well outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga rises with the bounce and slaps it through covers to the right of deep point for a boundary.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, Bowled it full and around middle, with pace taken off. Mendis flicks it to deep fine leg for a single.

Haris Rauf to Wanindu Hasaranga, Hurls on the fuller length and around middle, Hasaranga knocks it down to long on for one.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, Lands it full and outside off, KM comes forward and drives it through covers for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Much shorter and around middle, clipped away in the gap to deep square leg for one. The pressure is building on Sri Lanka. No boundary since the 8th over.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Dragged back length and around middle, Mendis tucks it to mid-wicket off the back foot.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Nagging length and outside off, Kamindu Mendis waits and chops it down to short third.

Wanindu Hasaranga has been hit around his right wrist and the physio is out to have a look. The magic spray is out. It has done its job and Wanindu is ready to resume.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Quicker, full and around off, Kamindu Mendis uses his feet and drills it to the right of the bowler. Wanindu Hasaranga fails to get out of the way quickly and gets hit on his right hand. He looks in pain and the physio is out to check on him.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Floated up, full and outside off, Wanindu Hasaranga drives it through covers for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, A bit shorter and slower, around middle, Wanindu drops it back to the right of the bowler.

DRINKS! Pakistan have performed exceptionally well with the ball, taking five wickets of Sri Lanka in the first half of the first innings after electing to bowl first. They have maintained pressure despite the aggressive approach of the Lankan batters, which has backfired so far. Now, Sri Lanka need to build a partnership to reach a respectable total, while Pakistan will be aiming to kill the game as quickly as possible with the ball by taking more wickets. Let's see how it unfolds next.

Hussain Talat to Kamindu Mendis, Pace off by Hussain, fuller and on off. Kamindu Mendis knocks it with a straight bat to mid off.

Hussain Talat to Wanindu Hasaranga, Edged but there is no slip! Fuller in length, in the channel on off. Wanindu's feet go nowhere and he goes hard on the drive away from his body. Gets an outside edge that rolls down to deep third for one more.

Hussain Talat to Wanindu Hasaranga, Good placement! Keeps it on the shorter side, on middle. Wanindu stays back and just tucks it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region. Collects a couple of runs, does Hasaranga.

Hussain Talat to Wanindu Hasaranga, Wide! Sprayed down leg, on a back of a length. Wanindu Hasaranga misses out on the tickle.

Hussain Talat to Kamindu Mendis, This is on a short of a length, outside off. Kamindu punches it off the back foot to deep point for a run.

Hussain Talat to Kamindu Mendis, On a good length, on off. Mendis stabs it down on the off side.

Hussain Talat to Kamindu Mendis, At 123.4 kph, on a back of a length, angled in at the hips. Mendis sets up for the pull but gets an underedge onto the pads. Half a shout for LBW from Talat but even without an edge that seemed to be going down leg.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Shorter and on middle, Kamindu nudges it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Hangs it up there, fuller and slower, on middle. Kamindu Mendis is watchful in defence.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Flat and short, on off, Hasaranga backs away and punches it to deep cover for a run.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Serves the googly and it is on the shorter side, on middle and leg. Wanindu picks it from the hand and presses back to block.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Pushed across the left-hander, Kamindu drives this full ball to the right of long off for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Floated up, full and attacking the front pad. Mendis lunges to work it across on the leg side. Gets an outside edge that dribbles to short third.

Change. More spin. Abrar Ahmed is in the attack.

Hussain Talat to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Punished! Hussain lands it on a back of a length, on middle. Hasaranga picks up the length quickly, swivels and unleashes the pull through mid-wicket. Picks up a boundary to get off the mark. Two wickets and a boundary off the over.

Hussain Talat to Wanindu Hasaranga, On the off stump, on a good length, Wanindu Hasaranga covers the line and defends.

Hussain Talat to Wanindu Hasaranga, No hat-trick! A bit of away shape, fuller and on off. Wanindu Hasaranga leans ahead and pushes it to cover.

Wanindu Hasaranga walks out to face the hat trick ball.

Hussain Talat to Dasun Shanaka, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Two in two for Hussain Talat and Pakistan are all over Sri Lanka! Hussain switches to over the wicket for the right-hander and bowls it on a back of a length. Dasun Shanaka hops but does not quite get close to the line of the ball. Looks to punch it away on the off side with his hands. It is another cross-seam delivery, and it nips back in enough to graze the outside edge. The keeper, Mohammad Haris, does the rest. Sri Lanka's star with the bat in the previous game is gone for a golden duck. Sri Lanka are 58/5 and Talat is on a hat trick.

Dasun Shanaka walks in next to bat at 6.

Hussain Talat to Charith Asalanka, OUT! TAKEN! The move to bring on Hussain Talat has worked like a charm! Asalanka perishes in his quest to keep going. Talat goes into the surface and bowls it with a scrambled seam, on off and middle. Charith swivels and attempts the pull but fails to get on top of the bounce. A top edge is induced, and it flies down to deep square leg, where Haris Rauf runs in off the ropes and takes a safe catch at waist height.

Hussain Talat to Charith Asalanka, On a length, around the off stump. Charith checks the drive in front of mid off.

Another change. Hussain Talat is introduced into the attack.

Salman Agha to Charith Asalanka, Shorter and at the hips, Charith works it in the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

Salman Agha to Kamindu Mendis, Pushed through, on middle and leg. Mendis knocks this full ball to long on for a single.

Salman Agha to Charith Asalanka, Charith Asalanka almost holed out! Flighted delivery by Salman, full and on middle. Asalanka gets down on a knee but fails to get under the ball. Goes through with the slog sweep and the ball dips in front of the diving Saim Ayub at deep mid-wicket. The ball drops short and the batters cross for one.

Salman Agha to Charith Asalanka, Slows it down and gives the ball air, on off. Charith Asalanka defends it out.

Salman Agha to Kamindu Mendis, Shorter and on middle, Mendis tucks it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Salman Agha to Charith Asalanka, Agha begins from around the wicket and tosses it up, on middle. Charith Asalanka plays for the turn as he presses forward but the ball goes on with the arm. Ekes out an inside edge that rolls through square leg for one.

Change? Yes, the skipper, Salman Agha, brings himself into the attack. Also, though Sri Lanka have lost three wickets, they have kept the momentum going and added 53 runs in the Powerplay.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, SIX! All the way! Haris Rauf bangs it into the deck but he fails to get it high enough. It is around the waist and the pace is 134.6 kph. Kamindu climbs into it as he swivels and pulls it towards deep backward square leg. The fielder in the deep just watches the ball sail over his head. End of an eventful Powerplay. Sri Lanka are 53/3.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Lovely shot and Kamindu Mendis is up and running! On a good length, fractionally wide on off. Kamindu lets the ball come to him and just taps the ball on its head. Caresses it through cover-point for his first runs.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, The length is dragged back and the ball jags back a bit, on middle. Kamindu hangs back and shovels it to mid-wicket.

Haris Rauf to Kamindu Mendis, Rauf stays around the wicket and gets the ball to angle back into the left-hander, on a length, on the off stump. Mendis firms the drive down the deck and Haris stays low to make the stop to his left on his follow-through.

Kamindu Mendis is in at 5.

Haris Rauf to Kusal Perera, OUT! CAUGHT! Haris Rauf has his revenge! The change of angle does the trick. Rauf switches to around the wicket and goes fuller, at the stumps. Kusal looks to whip it across the line but does not quite go through with the shot. Just checks his shot and ends up chipping it towards mid on. Faheem Ashraf moves to his left and dives to take a fine catch. Kusal falls for 15 (12). Sri Lanka are 43/3.

Haris Rauf to Kusal Perera, FOUR! 'Welcome, Haris,' says Kusal! Rauf steams in from over the wicket and angles it across the batter, on a length. Kusal cashes in on the width and carves it over cover for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Charith Asalanka, Beauty! Full, around off, threatens to come in, but then shapes away. Charith comes forward for a drive but gets beaten on the outside edge. Sri Lanka are 39/2.

Shaheen Afridi to Charith Asalanka, Full and around off, Charith flicks it to mid on off the front foot.

Shaheen Afridi to Kusal Perera, Hurls on the fuller length again and around off, with some inward movement, KP flicks it off the inside half of the bat to deep square leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Kusal Perera, Again, on the fuller side, around off, Kusal prods forward and drives it to mid off.

Shaheen Afridi to Kusal Perera, Bowled it full and around middle, Perera tries to flick it but gets it off the inner half of the bat. The ball goes in the gap to the right of deep square leg and both batters push each other for two runs.

Shaheen Afridi to Kusal Perera, Lands it full, there is a bit of away movement through the air, around off, Kusal Perera comes forward to drive it but gets it off the outer half of the bat. The ball goes straight to backward point.

Change? Nope, Shaheen Afridi will bowl one more. 2-0-18-2 so far for the left-arm quick.

Faheem Ashraf to Charith Asalanka, On a hard length and around off, defended down towards extra cover off the back foot.

Faheem Ashraf to Charith Asalanka, FOUR MORE! A bit fuller and around middle, Charith Asalanka comes forward and tries to take on the bowler, as he goes for a big lofted shot down the ground. But as the bat gets turned in his hands, the shot is mistimed. Still, the ball goes over the bowler and lands to the right of mid on and races away to the fence for a boundary.

Faheem Ashraf to Charith Asalanka, Angling in, on a good length and over off, Asalanka drops it down to cover off the back foot.

Faheem Ashraf to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! THRASHED! On a hard length and wide outside off, Charith Asalanka gets enough width to free his arms as he rises with the bounce and cuts it well over the backward point fielder for a cracking boundary.

Faheem Ashraf to Charith Asalanka, On a good length and outside off, Charith rides the bounce and punches it down to cover.

Faheem Ashraf to Charith Asalanka, Nagging length and well outside off, shaping away further, Charith Asalanka shoulders his arms to let it go.

Shaheen Afridi to Charith Asalanka, A bit fuller, angling in, around off, CA tries to defend it but gets squared up. The ball catches the outside edge of the bat and rolls away to deep third. A single taken. At the end of 3 overs, Sri Lanka are 28/2.

Shaheen Afridi to Charith Asalanka, Much fuller, almost a yorker, around off, Charith Asalanka jams it back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Charith Asalanka, SIX! MAKES FULL USE OF THE FREEBIE! Pace taken off, on a back of a length and outside off, Charith Asalanka goes back and pumps it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Shaheen Afridi to Charith Asalanka, Oh, a high full toss, around middle, Charith Asalanka gets surprised and tries to bring his bat in front to save himself. His bottom hand comes off the handle and the ball goes in the gap towards deep backward square leg. Two runs taken and the square leg umpire has called it a NO BALL. A Free-Hit is coming up...

Shaheen Afridi to Charith Asalanka, The ball is swinging so much, nice and full, moving away, outside off, Charith Asalanka comes forward and tries to defend it but gets squared up there. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka walks out to bat.

Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Both openers are back in the hut, and Shaheen Afridi is on fire here. Hard length and outside off, going away from the batter. Pathum Nissanka throws his hands at it without any foot movement and tries to drag it, but gets a faint outside edge that goes behind the wickets. The keeper, Mohammad Haris makes no mistake there, who pouches it to his right around his waist. Sri Lanka are 18/2 and Nissanka departs for 8 (7).

Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka, SIX! BELTED! On a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka hangs back, frees his arms, and muscles it nonchalantly down the ground over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Perera, Again, lovely bowling from Ashraf! Nagging length and going across the left-handed batter, outside off, Kusal goes deep in his crease and tries to turn it into the leg side but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Perera, SIX! WOAH! Sweet sound of the bat! Too full, around middle, Kusal Perera shifts his weight on the front foot, picks it up and deposits it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Perera, Bowled it full and around off, Kusal drills it to mid off and sends back Pathum Nissanka, who wanted a single.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Perera, BEATEN! On a good length and at the top of the off stump, moving away, Kusal Perera prods forward and looks to flick it but gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball nips away late.

Faheem Ashraf to Pathum Nissanka, Hard length and a bit outside off, Pathum presses back and half-pulls it to deep square leg for one.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Perera, On a good length and around middle, Kusal Perera looks to push at it but gets an inside edge that rolls away towards backward square leg for one.

It will be pace from both ends as Faheem Ashraf comes on from the other end.

Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka, A waist-high full toss, around middle, Pathum Nissanka gets a bit surprised and tries to defend it. The ball drops down towards cover. The umpire calls it a legal delivery.

Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka, On a good length and outside off, shaping away, Pathum Nissanka has a feel for it but misses his shot. The ball beats the outside edge of the bat and goes behind the wickets. The keeper, Mohammad Haris, dives to his right there but fails to stop it. The slip fielder tries to hunt it down but the deep third fielder gets across to his left and dives to cut it off. Two runs taken. Oh, the umpire has given it as runs off the blade.

Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka, Touch full again and around middle, skidding through, PN tries to go for a big shot but mistimes it off the inner half of the bat. Luckily for him, the ball lands well ahead of the mid-wicket fielder.

Shaheen Afridi to Kusal Perera, Lovely bowling! Full ball, seaming in, around off, Kusal Perera tries to flick it but gets an inside edge that goes past the leg stump towards backward square leg. A single taken.

Kusal Perera is in at number 3.

Shaheen Afridi to Kusal Mendis, OUT! CAUGHT! Oh, a soft dismissal and Shaheen Afridi has provided an early breakthrough for Pakistan in this big contest. 21st wicket for Afridi in the first over in T20Is. Shaheen goes a bit fuller and keeps the line around middle and off. Kusal Mendis shifts his weight on the front foot and looks to flick it. He gets the connection right but fails to hit it wide of the fielder or along the ground. Ends up jabbing it straight to the mid-wicket fielder, where Hussain Talat takes it. Kusal departs for a golden duck, and Sri Lanka are rocked early as they are 1/1.

Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka and Pathum Nissanka are underway straightaway! On a length, swinging back in, around leg, Pathum adjusts well as he prods forward a touch and flicks it to deep fine leg for a single to get off the mark.

The national anthems are done, and the two umpires now make their way out to the centre. It is a decent turnout tonight at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. No matter the numbers, the supporters of the two teams will surely make their presence felt. Salman Agha and Co. disperse from the huddle, and they are followed by the two Sri Lankan openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand. Shaheen to Nissanka first up. A slip in place. Let's play...

We are just moments away from the start of the game. Charith Asalanka and Salman Agha lead their respective teams out for the national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's national anthem first, followed by that of Pakistan.

PITCH REPORT - Urooj Mumtaz is near the deck. She starts by providing some numbers, with 170 being the average 1st innings score at this ground and 183 being the average 1st innings winning score. Simon Doull joins her, and he says that this is a fantastic wicket with a good covering of grass. Believes that the grass covering will aid in the ball coming onto the bat nicely. Opines that there will be some movement upfront with the new ball, but there won't be much turn on offer for the spinners. Urooj points out that pacers have been more successful at this venue than the spinners. Doull suggests that the pacers should look to bowl the Test match lengths while the batters should make use of the slight breeze, which is blowing across the ground. He reckons that Sri Lanka should look to score around 180-190 to be ahead in the game.

Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (C), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (WK), Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne (In place of Kamil Mishara), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana (In place of Dunith Wellalage), Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara.

Sri Lanka's skipper, Charith Asalanka, says that he would have also preferred to bowl first, but is fine with batting first now. Feels that the side has been playing good cricket, though there are still areas to improve, especially death bowling. Informs two changes to the XI, with Maheesh Theekshana and Chamika Karunaratne coming in. On the team balance, he adds that they felt the need for one extra bowler who can also contribute with the bat.

The captain of Pakistan, Salman Agha, feels that this is a good wicket and believes that the surface won't change much. Mentions that they started well against India but lost their way between overs 10 to 15. Adds that they want to start well with the ball in this game. Shares that they are not worried about how they have fared against Sri Lanka in the past and they are looking forward to this new challenge. Informs that they are unchanged for this game.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favour of Pakistan, and their skipper, Salman Agha, has elected to FIELD first.

The surface in Abu Dhabi has usually been friendlier for batters than Dubai, but it still gives slower bowlers something to work with. Conditions could bring spin into play as the game progresses, and chasing has not been straightforward here. It’s Pakistan’s firepower against Sri Lanka’s balance, both desperate to bounce back. With all that to keep, stick around for the toss and team lineups!

Key battles to watch? Haris Rauf vs Pathum Nissanka in the Powerplay, as Rauf has 5 wickets in just 2 T20Is against Sri Lanka. Shaheen Afridi vs Kusal Mendis. Can Pakistan’s left-arm spearhead finally strike early? And don’t miss Nuwan Thushara’s battle against Sahibzada Farhan, who is Pakistan’s in-form batter. These mini-duels could well decide the edge in today's game.

Problems of Sri Lanka? Their issue is consistency under pressure. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis gave them a solid start against Bangladesh, while Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 64 was a good knock. But the middle order still hasn’t shown the resilience required in tight contests. With the ball, Wanindu Hasaranga remains a proven match-winner, taking 2/22 in the last game, but he lacked support. Nuwan Thushara leaked runs and must bounce back. Sri Lanka lean heavily on their top order and their spinners, as they need both departments clicking if they are to push for a spot in the final.

Need of Pakistan? First, stability in their batting. Sahibzada Farhan stood tall against India, but beyond him, no one truly anchored the innings until Faheem Ashraf’s late burst. Their total of 171 looked good, but wasn’t defended. Why? Because the bowling lacked sharpness. Shaheen Afridi went wicketless and expensive, and the spin duo, Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub, failed to control the middle overs. Haris Rauf was the only bright spot with 2/26. Pakistan’s challenge is clear - rediscover bite in the attack and get more than one batter firing at the top.

The Asia Cup Super Four stage is getting tighter, and Abu Dhabi is set for a crucial clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. What’s at stake? Two crucial points in the race to the final. Both sides are coming off losses in their first Super Four games, which makes this encounter almost a do-or-die battle. Pakistan were outplayed by India, while Sri Lanka stumbled against Bangladesh. Head-to-head? Pakistan lead overall 13-10, but Sri Lanka have won the last five meetings in this format. History, momentum, and survival are all on the line. On that note, hello and welcome to this big one from the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

... MATCH DAY ...

After a short breather of a day, the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage is back with Sri Lanka taking on Pakistan in a crunch clash at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. Both sides slipped in their opening Super Four games, where Sri Lanka lost a last-over close match to Bangladesh, while Pakistan were humbled by India. With only three games each in this stage, and India and Bangladesh already holding an early advantage, the stakes could not be higher. Which team can shrug off its scars and keep the final dream alive? Let’s know a bit about the Lions first. What’s going on with Sri Lanka? They had the firepower but lacked the finish in Dubai. Dasun Shanaka’s explosive 64 unbeaten off 37 gave them a strong 168/7, but the bowlers, barring Wanindu Hasaranga, couldn’t hold their nerve as Bangladesh chased with a ball to spare. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have been steady run-getters in this tournament, while Shanaka’s cameo showed a fire under pressure. Yet, concerns remain - Kamil Mishara’s scratchy knock and Kamindu Mendis’s poor outing meant the middle order wobbled. On the bowling side, Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera leaked runs, and Dunith Wellalage went wicketless. Is it time for Sri Lanka to recalibrate their bowling attack, or simply back their experienced names to deliver at the right time? What needs to click for the Lankans? Consistency in the Powerplay, both with bat and ball. With Pathum Nissanka in the top runs chart and Hasaranga delivering with 5 wickets at a miserly economy of under 6 so far, the pillars are there. But Thushara, despite 6 wickets in the tournament, has been expensive at over 7 economy, while Chameera’s high economy remains a concern in the death overs. The Lions must also find a way to turn their cameos into match-defining innings. Can Asalanka or Perera provide that missing stability? Or will Shanaka’s big hits be their lifeline again? Meanwhile, what about Pakistan? Their story is also familiar, from flashes of brilliance to being undone by inconsistency. Sahibzada Farhan looked elegant in his 58, and Faheem Ashraf’s late cameo gave them 171 against India. But the bowling, traditionally their strong suit, faltered. Shaheen Afridi went wicketless and expensive, Saim Ayub’s experimental overs bled over 11 per over, and only Haris Rauf looked threatening as he took two wickets. Batting has positives - Fakhar Zaman is finding touch, and Mohammad Nawaz’s 21 showed grit. Yet, over-reliance on one or two knocks has left them vulnerable. The big question - who will provide that complete team performance they so badly need? Where must Pakistan improve? With the ball in the middle overs. Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf are carrying the load, while Shaheen’s barren spells hurt the balance. With the bat, Farhan has been consistent at the top, but the middle order - Talat, Nawaz, Agha - must build partnerships instead of cameos. Pakistan also lack a power finisher, but can they do it against Sri Lanka’s spinners? So, what’s the buildup like? Abu Dhabi has offered scores around 170-plus in some games, challenging but chaseable. The pitch has grip for spinners, yet rewards clean hitting through the line. Sri Lanka’s spin could test Pakistan’s middle order, while Pakistan’s pace battery has the raw edge to unsettle Sri Lanka’s top order. Fans still remember the 2022 Asia Cup Final, when Sri Lanka stunned Pakistan the last time they met each other in this format. Could history repeat itself, or will Pakistan finally strike back? With both teams wounded and desperate, expect tension, tactical shifts, and possibly a nail-biter.