Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Win Toss, Bowl First Against Sri Lanka

Abu Dhabi: Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and decided to bowl against Sri Lanka first in the third of the Super Fours of ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday. The ruling creates a fascinating rivalry, with both parties vying to emerge as the ultimate winners.

Sri Lanka will be banking on skipper Charith Asalanka, along with the veteran trio of Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Pathum Nissanka, to ensure stability at the top. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will be at the forefront of the bowling attack, which will be used to pressure Pakistan during the middle overs with spin.

The first two, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, will play a central role in the case of Pakistan, and the young Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris will add flair to the attack. Having Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf at the head of the pace battery, Pakistan will seek to take an early strike and limit Sri Lanka to a sustainable score.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara.

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Haris (wk), Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced off 23 times in T20Is. Pakistan lead the rivalry with 13 wins, while Sri Lanka has claimed victory in 10 encounters.