🌍 Sri Lanka’s Struggles Continue in Asia Cup 2025
Sri Lanka’s campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four hit another roadblock when they fell to Pakistan at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Captain Charith Asalanka admitted after the match that his side’s early batting collapse proved costly, leaving them vulnerable despite a late fightback.
The defeat not only dented Sri Lanka’s chances of qualifying for the Asia Cup 2025 final, but also exposed deeper concerns about the team’s batting consistency under pressure. While Pakistan showcased composure in chasing down 134 runs with 12 balls to spare, Sri Lanka’s inability to handle Pakistan’s pace attack was the defining difference.
🔥 First Innings Recap – Shaheen and Talat Rip Through Sri Lanka’s Top Order
Right from the start, Pakistan’s bowlers executed their plans with surgical precision.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered an electric opening spell, removing both Sri Lankan openers inside two overs.
- Hussain Talat, often seen as a batting all-rounder, made a huge impact with the ball. Striking twice in his very first over, Talat reduced Sri Lanka to 58/5 inside 9 overs.
- While Kamindu Mendis offered resistance with a well-fought half-century (50 off 44 balls), he lacked support from the other end.
Sri Lanka’s innings ended at 133/8, a below-par total considering the flat batting surface and shorter boundaries in Abu Dhabi.
💬 Charith Asalanka’s Post-Match Reaction
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Charith Asalanka acknowledged the collapse:
“If you lose five wickets before the 10th over, it will always be tough. The surface was good, but they bowled and fielded really well in the first eight to nine overs.”
Asalanka admitted that while his team showed fight and spirit, especially through Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round efforts, the damage done in the powerplay overs was irreversible.
He also praised Hasaranga’s consistency:
“He’s always been a superstar in white-ball cricket, someone who has done so much for the country and continues to give his best.”
📊 Pakistan’s Bowling Brilliance
Pakistan’s bowling attack was the true difference-maker.
- Shaheen Afridi (2 wickets): Set the tone with his trademark swing.
- Hussain Talat (2 wickets): A surprise star with crucial breakthroughs.
- Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah maintained tight lines, not allowing easy runs.
The energy in the field also stood out, with Pakistan converting half-chances into key breakthroughs.
🏏 Pakistan’s Chase – From Trouble to Triumph
Chasing 134 runs, Pakistan didn’t get off to a smooth start.
- Sri Lanka’s spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga made early inroads, reducing Pakistan to 57/4.
- When Mohammad Haris fell at 80/5, the game seemed wide open.
But then came Pakistan’s rescue act:
- Mohammad Nawaz (38 off 24)* anchored the chase with calculated strokes.
- Hussain Talat (32 off 30)* supported him brilliantly, turning into the match’s all-round hero.
The unbeaten partnership guided Pakistan home with 12 balls remaining, cementing their dominance in the Super Four stage.
⚡ Sri Lanka’s Batting Woes – A Recurring Theme
Sri Lanka’s batting collapse against Pakistan is not an isolated incident. In recent months, they have repeatedly lost top-order wickets in clusters, putting pressure on the middle order.
Key issues:
- Overdependence on Kamindu Mendis and Hasaranga to rescue innings.
- Lack of partnerships in the first 10 overs.
- Inability to handle quality left-arm pace (Shaheen once again exposed their weakness).
- Failure to rotate strike, leading to dot-ball pressure.
Unless Sri Lanka addresses these structural flaws, their chances in major ICC tournaments remain slim.
📉 Impact on Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Standings
This loss puts Sri Lanka in a tough spot in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four points table. With Pakistan gaining momentum and India already in strong contention, Sri Lanka must now rely on favorable results and a big win in their remaining fixtures to stay alive.
🧐 Cricketory Insights & Analysis
At Cricketory, we look beyond the scorecard to understand the trends shaping modern cricket.
- Pakistan’s depth: The fact that Hussain Talat, often a backup option, emerged as a match-winner shows Pakistan’s growing bench strength.
- Sri Lanka’s over-reliance on Hasaranga: While his brilliance is unquestionable, Sri Lanka needs at least two more batters to consistently perform under pressure.
- Mental toughness under spotlight: Pakistan showed composure even at 80/5, something Sri Lanka lacked when they were in a similar position.
- Momentum shift: This win positions Pakistan as serious contenders for the Asia Cup 2025 title, especially with their all-rounders stepping up.
🏆 What’s Next for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka must regroup quickly. Their next matches in the Super Four will decide their fate in the Asia Cup 2025. Key changes required:
- Strengthening the opening pair.
- Promoting Kamindu Mendis higher up the order.
- Giving youngsters like Pathum Nissanka more responsibility.
- Ensuring bowlers get enough runs to defend.