Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Score, Asia Cup 2025: Shaheen Afridi strikes in first over to push SL on backfoot

Sri Lanka sailed through the group stage without a defeat, but their winning run came to an end in the Super 4, where Bangladesh turned the tables and avenged their earlier loss. They continue to remain among the frontrunners for the title, and the same holds true as they gear up to face Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s middle order still looks vulnerable, though Dasun Shanaka’s counterpunch at No. 5 against Bangladesh was a big positive. Pathum Nissanka, who had been their star with consecutive fifties in the group stage, has struggled to carry that form forward.

In the bowling department, pacer Nuwan Thushara has impressed, currently standing as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with six scalps.

Spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga, along with Dushmantha Chameera, Charith Asalanka, and Shanaka, have also contributed effectively across matches.

On the other hand, Pakistan bowlers have failed to make much of an impact in the tournament with Shaheen Shah Afridi proving underwhelming with the new ball. Their spinners, too, failed to capitalise on the spin-friendly conditions in the UAE. The bowling unit, too, has struggled. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who found success against lower-ranked teams like Oman and the UAE, failed to find the right lengths against a dominant Indian batting line-up and was taken to the cleaners.

The batting department has been equally underwhelming, with the middle-order struggling to keep the scoreboard moving in the second half of their innings. Against India, top order batters Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub offered a glimmer of hope, stitching together 90/1 to hand a promising start. However, the middle-order faltered miserably and they posted 171/5, which was definitely below par against a power-packed Indian batting line-up.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Highlights, Asia Cup 2025 Super Four:

- Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sri Lanka.

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