After pull out threats, wanting a match referee removed, throwing tantrums because of India’s refusal to shake hands, two-time champions Pakistan find themselves on the brink of elimination from the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage for the second consecutive edition as they prepare to face defending champions Sri Lanka in a virtual knockout clash on Tuesday.
After a crushing defeat to India in their previous outing, Pakistan are languishing at the bottom of the Super Four table with a dismal net run rate of -0.689 — the worst among all four teams. Another loss today will almost certainly knock them out of the tournament, compounding an already turbulent campaign both on and off the field.
The stakes could not be higher. With India and Bangladesh already securing two points each, Pakistan and Sri Lanka — both winless in the Super Four so far — will be desperate to get off the mark. But for Pakistan, the task is even more daunting given recent history: they have lost each of their last five T20 Internationals against Sri Lanka, a streak that dates back to October 2019.
The absence of former captain Babar Azam and senior batter Mohammad Rizwan has left the batting order looking inexperienced and brittle.
In their loss to India, Pakistan started brightly at 90 for 1 thanks to a fighting stand from Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and a much-needed return to form from Saim Ayub — who bounced back after three consecutive ducks. But yet again, a familiar collapse followed as Pakistan failed to convert a solid start into a match-winning total.
