Pakistan faces a must-win encounter against Sri Lanka today in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup T20. After two consecutive defeats to India, pressure is mounting on the Green Shirts, and a change in the playing XI is on the cards.
Possible team change ahead of crucial match
According to team sources, Hassan Nawaz is expected to be included in place of Hussain Talat, who is likely to be dropped. The decision has reportedly been taken to strengthen the batting lineup.
Fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf are expected to retain their places in the squad as Pakistan looks to strike the right balance for this high-stakes match.
Fans demand strong comeback
Cricket fans have voiced disappointment over Pakistan’s poor performance so far. They say the team must play with courage and beat Sri Lanka if they want to remain in the tournament.
Some supporters even demanded the return of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to stabilise the batting order. The frustration reflects growing concern after back-to-back losses against India.
Do-or-die scenario for Pakistan
The clash has become a make-or-break game for Pakistan. A victory will keep their hopes alive for the final, while a defeat will plunge them into a complicated “if-or-but” qualification scenario.
Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have lost one match each in the Super Four stage, making today’s encounter even more decisive.
Historical edge but recent struggles
Head-to-head, Pakistan holds a 13-10 lead over Sri Lanka. However, recent history favours the Lions, who have beaten Pakistan in their last five encounters.
This makes today’s clash not just about qualification but also about breaking the losing streak and regaining confidence.
Players and captains speak ahead of clash
Opening batsman Sahibzada Farhan expressed confidence in the squad, saying the players will bounce back and secure a win against Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the Sri Lankan captain called the match against Pakistan “very important,” stressing that his team will aim to win their next two matches and qualify for the final.
