Pakistan Dominate Early as Sri Lanka Collapse in Crucial Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Match

Abu Dhabi, September 23, 2025 – The Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium turned dramatic right from the opening overs, as Pakistan’s pace attack ripped through Sri Lanka’s top order to seize control of the contest. With both teams desperately needing a win to keep their chances of reaching the final alive, Pakistan’s bowlers rose to the occasion in emphatic style.

A Match Loaded with Stakes

This Super Four fixture was more than just another game. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka entered the contest with losses in their opening Super Four matches, leaving them with no room for error. A defeat here would all but shut the door on qualification, making it a do-or-die battle under the Abu Dhabi lights.

Pakistan’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss reflected both confidence in their bowling arsenal and an understanding that early wickets would tilt the game massively in their favor. That gamble paid off handsomely.

Shaheen Sets the Tone

Pakistan’s spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi struck almost immediately, removing Sri Lanka’s opener Pathum Nissanka before he could settle. The left-arm pacer followed up with another deadly delivery to dismiss Kusal Mendis, who fell for a golden duck. The double blow in the powerplay silenced Sri Lanka’s fans and energized the Pakistani camp.

Sri Lanka, already under pressure, lost further ground when Kusal Perera was undone by Haris Rauf’s extra pace. At 25 for 3, their innings looked wobbly and uncertain.

Middle Order Meltdown

Just as Sri Lanka attempted to stabilize, Pakistan introduced Hussain Talat into the attack. The all-rounder delivered a decisive double strike in successive deliveries, sending the middle order into disarray. Within a few overs, Sri Lanka had slumped to 70 for 5 by the halfway stage, a score that reflected Pakistan’s dominance more than the batting conditions.

Despite a brief counterpunch from Kamindu Mendis, who tried to anchor the innings with aggressive strokes, partnerships never took shape. Pakistan’s bowlers kept rotating their attack smartly, ensuring no batsman settled for long. By the 16th over, Sri Lanka were hanging on at 97 for 6, struggling to even cross the 120 mark.

Pakistan’s Tactical Brilliance

The most impressive aspect of Pakistan’s bowling performance was the variety and discipline. Afridi’s swing upfront, Rauf’s pace in the middle overs, and Talat’s change-ups kept Sri Lanka guessing. Field placements were aggressive, cutting off singles and forcing risky strokes.

Every wicket was celebrated with intensity, reflecting how much the match meant in the context of the tournament. Pakistan not only restricted Sri Lanka but also crushed their morale in the process.

What This Means for Both Teams

If Pakistan’s batsmen hold their nerve in the chase, this result could breathe fresh life into their campaign. A victory here would give them momentum heading into the next Super Four match, setting up a potential showdown for a spot in the final.

For Sri Lanka, however, the picture looks grim. Two losses in the Super Four stage would leave their qualification chances hanging by a thread, dependent not only on results elsewhere but also on their own net run rate. Their batting collapse in such a high-pressure match will raise questions about their approach and preparation.

Final Thoughts

This match has once again highlighted Pakistan’s greatest strength—their world-class bowling unit. With Shaheen Afridi leading the charge and his teammates chipping in with relentless intensity, Pakistan showed why they are always dangerous in crunch situations.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly, work on their batting resilience, and find a way to counter early swing and pace if they want to stay relevant in the Asia Cup.

For now, though, the spotlight belongs firmly to Pakistan’s bowlers, who turned a high-stakes clash into a one-sided spectacle within the first half of the game.