Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: A Must-Win Clash in Asia Cup Super 4

Abu Dhabi, Sep 22 (PTI): As the Asia Cup Super 4 stage unfolds, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan find themselves in need of a crucial victory when they face each other on Tuesday.

Defending champions Sri Lanka seemed invincible during the group stage but encountered an unexpected obstacle with a four-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in their opening Super 4 match. This loss not only broke their rhythm but also ended a remarkable eight-match winning streak in the T20 Asia Cup.

Pakistan, conversely, has been mired in off-field controversies, which have overshadowed their inconsistent on-field performances. After enduring another heavy defeat against their arch-rivals India on Sunday, Pakistan is in a state of disorder. This loss marked their second defeat to India in the ongoing tournament.

Both India and Bangladesh have accumulated two points each, with Suryakumar Yadav's squad leading the table, thanks to a superior net run rate. Sri Lanka and Pakistan currently occupy the third and fourth positions, respectively, and with only a limited time for recovery, Pakistan's captain, Salman Agha, finds his team in a must-win situation amidst growing pressure.

The absence of experienced players like former captain Babar Azam and senior batter Mohammad Rizwan has further exacerbated the batting challenges for Pakistan, revealing a lineup that struggles with technique and temperament. Yet, against India, top-order batsmen Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub provided a glimpse of potential by building a promising 90/1 start.

Notably, Ayub displayed signs of revival after a sequence of three consecutive ducks. However, the innings stalled in the second half, underscoring Pakistan's inability to maintain pressure throughout.

The bowling department has also encountered difficulties. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who had previous success against lesser teams like Oman and the UAE, struggled to find effective lengths against India's formidable batting lineup and consequently faced heavy punishment.

Sri Lanka, despite their notable run, are not without issues themselves.

Their fragile middle order remains a concern, although Dasun Shanaka's aggressive performance at No. 5 against Bangladesh offered some relief. Pathum Nissanka, who was the standout performer with consecutive fifties in the group stage, is currently experiencing a slump.

However, players like Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara seem to be in form, which can provide crucial stability. In the bowling department, pacer Nuwan Thushara has been impressive, ranking as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with six wickets.

Spin maestro Wanindu Hasaranga, along with Dushmantha Chameera, Charith Asalanka, and Shanaka, have offered valuable contributions across matches. Additionally, the return of promising all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, who rejoined the squad after a brief hiatus following his father's passing last week, could boost both team morale and depth.

Teams (from):

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

Match starts at 8pm IST.

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