Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign hangs by a thread as they prepare to face defending champions Sri Lanka in a high-stakes Super Four clash on September 23. Two-time champions are staring at elimination, their net run rate of -0.689 the worst among the four teams, a direct consequence of their heavy defeat to India and a turbulent buildup off the field.

The Pakistan team has been mired in controversy throughout the tournament, from threats to pull out, demands to remove match officials, and tantrums over a handshake refusal with India, leaving the side reeling both on and off the field. With India and Bangladesh already securing two points each, Pakistan’s path to survival is perilously narrow.

Adding to their woes, Pakistan has lost all five of their last T20 encounters against Sri Lanka, dating back to October 2019. Missing key players such as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, their batting lineup has looked inexperienced and brittle.

Against India, despite a promising start of 90 for 1 with contributions from Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and a returning Saim Ayub, Pakistan succumbed to familiar collapses, failing to post a defendable total.

The bowling unit, too, has struggled. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, previously effective against lower-ranked teams, was hammered by India’s top order, while the pace attack lacked bite and ideas against set batsmen.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are seeking redemption after a four-wicket loss to Bangladesh that ended their eight-match T20 Asia Cup winning streak. Pathum Nissanka’s form has dipped, but Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara offer stability, while Dasun Shanaka’s aggressive middle-order knock provides a spark.

On the bowling front, Nuwan Thushara has been lethal, and the return of spin all-rounder Dunith Wellalage could bolster their chances further.

With no margin for error, Pakistan captain Salman Agha must inspire a near-impossible turnaround. A loss today will almost certainly end their campaign, raising tough questions about the state of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket. For Sri Lanka, a victory will not only revive hopes of consecutive Asia Cup titles but also extend their dominance over Pakistan in T20Is.

In Colombo, the stakes are clear: only triumph will keep Pakistan alive, while Sri Lanka look to tighten their grip on Super Four supremacy.