The Men’s Asia Cup 2025 is here, and cricket fans are gearing up for one of the most exciting competitions in Asian cricket, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka. These two cricketing giants have a long history of producing thrilling matches, be it Tests, ODIs or T20s. Now, as Asia Cup 2025 begins, both the teams are ready to clash with new energy, new faces and a lot of expectations.
In this blog post, we will tell you about the team announcements, key players, live score updates and the latest statistics.
Here’s a breakdown of the key details:
Match Result: Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 7 wickets.
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Weather: The conditions were clear.
Toss: Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first (bowl).
Player of the Match: Usman Khan was awarded the Player of the Match.
Match Officials:
Umpires: Ahsan Raza (Pakistan), Shozab Raza (Pakistan), and Richard Kettleborough (England).
Referee: Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe).
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has a balanced squad of young and experienced players. The team is based on world-class fast bowlers, strong all-rounders and an improving batting lineup.
Batters
Fakhar Zaman (Opening Batter)
Hasan Nawaz (Top order Batter)
Mohammad Haris (Wicketkeeper Batter)
Sahibzada Farhan (Middle order Batter)
Saim Ayub (Top order Batter)
Allrounders
Faheem Ashraf (Bowling Allrounder)
Hussain Talat (Allrounder)
Khushdil Shah (Allrounder)
Mohammad Nawaz (Allrounder)
Salman Agha (Captain, Allrounder)
Bowlers
Abrar Ahmed (Bowler)
Haris Rauf (Bowler)
Hasan Ali (Bowler)
Mohammad Wasim (Bowler)
Salman Mirza (Bowler)
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Bowler)
Sufiyan Muqeem (Bowler)
Key Strengths of Pakistan
Pace attack trio of Shaheen, Haris, and Naseem.
Experienced top order with Babar, Rizwan, and Fakhar.
Spin options: Shadab, Nawaz, Abrar, and Usama give variety.
Defending champions Sri Lanka of the Asia Cup 2022 have also announced a competitive squad. Known for their all-round depth and fighting spirit, they are gearing up to be a dangerous team in the multinational tournament.
Batters
Kamil Mishara (Opening Batter)
Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper Batter)
Kusal Perera (Wicketkeeper Batter)
Nuwanidu Fernando (Batter)
Pathum Nissanka (Top order Batter)
Allrounders
Charith Asalanka (Captain, Batting Allrounder)
Chamika Karunaratne (Bowling Allrounder)
Dasun Shanaka (Allrounder)
Janith Liyanage (Batting Allrounder)
Kamindu Mendis (Allrounder)
Wanindu Hasaranga (Allrounder)
Bowlers
Binura Fernando (Bowler)
Dushmantha Chameera (Bowler)
Dunith Wellalage (Bowler)
Maheesh Theekshana (Bowler)
Matheesha Pathirana (Bowler)
Nuwan Thushara (Bowler)
Key Strengths of Sri Lanka
Spin bowling attack led by Hasaranga and Theekshana.
Explosive top order with Nissanka, Mendis, and Perera.
Bowling variety; pace, swing, and mystery spin.
Read Next: SL vs AFG Full Scorecard (SL Won by 6 Wickets): Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025
When it comes to Asia Cup history, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have had some iconic encounters.
PAK (103/3):
Sri Lanka: 101/9 in 18.1 overs
Sri Lanka: 50/2 in 8.0 overs
Mandatory power play (1-6): Sri Lanka 40/2
Sadeera Samarawickrama makes his T20I debut for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a slight edge historically, but Pakistan has closed the gap in recent years.
SL (102/10):
Sri Lanka: 101/9 in 18.1 overs
Sri Lanka: 50/2 in 8.0 overs
Mandatory power play (1-6): Sri Lanka 40/2
Sadeera Samarawickrama makes his T20I debut for Sri Lanka
Babar Azam: Consistency king, expected to be Pakistan’s highest run-scorer.
Shaheen Afridi: His early breakthroughs can turn the game instantly.
Shadab Khan: A proven all-rounder who can swing matches in Pakistan’s favor.
Wanindu Hasaranga: All-rounder who adds balance with bat and ball.
Kusal Mendis: Aggressive stroke-maker and vital leader.
Matheesha Pathirana: A death-bowling specialist who thrives under pressure.
Top Pakistan Run-Getter in Asia Cup: Shoaib Malik (768 runs).
Top Sri Lanka Run-Getter in Asia Cup: Sanath Jayasuriya (1220 runs).
Top Pakistan Wicket-Taker in Asia Cup: Saeed Ajmal (25 wickets).
Top Sri Lanka Wicket-Taker in Asia Cup: Muttiah Muralitharan (30 wickets).
Highest Team Total in PAK vs SL Asia Cup: Pakistan – 385/7 in 2010.
Lowest Total: Sri Lanka – 78 all out in 2002.
Both teams are evenly matched, but Pakistan’s pace attack gives them a slight edge, especially if the pitch offers bounce. Sri Lanka’s spin depth could dominate if the surface is slow and turning.
If Pakistan’s top order clicks, they can post a challenging total.
If Sri Lanka’s spinners control the middle overs, Pakistan might struggle.
It could very well come down to death-over bowling, where Pathirana vs Haris Rauf will be a battle to watch.
The clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025 is a battle of pride, heritage and pace. Both the teams are in strong form with several match winners, which is why this clash could be very exciting.
Pakistan brings raw pace and batting anchors like Babar and Rizwan to the team. On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their spin variety and a fearless batting unit led by Mendis and Nissanka. Fans can expect explosive cricket, high drama and unforgettable moments when these two teams clash.
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match has been included in the official schedule in the group stage of the Asia Cup 2025, the dates of which have been confirmed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Pakistan’s captain is Babar Azam and Sri Lanka’s captain is Kusal Mendis.
Live scores will be available on Cricbites, Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo and official apps of ACC partners.
The bowlers from each team are:
Sri Lanka now hold the slimmest lead over Pakistan in Asia Cup history, with 10 wins from 16 matches. But Pakistan also dominate the overall head-to-head record.