Sri Lanka went unbeaten in the group stage but were handed a reality check in the Super 4 of Asia Cup 2025. After a defeat to Bangladesh, the Lankans were in all sorts of trouble in the SL vs PAK clash in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. A usually higher scoring venue than Abu Dhabi, the Charith Asalanka led side crumbled under pressure to hand their opposition all the cards.
Sri Lanka suffer collapse in must-win clash
A defeat on Tuesday would mean Sri Lanka’s hopes of defending their Asia Cup T20 title would rest on the rest of the Super 4 group. Given the importance of the game, the onus was on the Sri Lankan top order to give them a good start. However, what unfolded was an embarrassing first half display, as Asalanka and Co slipped to 58/5 inside 8 overs.
Kusal Mendis was sent packing second ball of the innings, while Pathum Nissanka walked back to leave SL 18/2. Kusal Perera and Charith Asalanka started the rebuild but it all came crashing down in the space of 2 overs. Perera, Asalanka and Shanaka all departed to leave Sri lanka reeling at 58/5. Wanindu Hasaranga also departed soon after as the Lankans slipped further into abyss.
It marks another batting disappointment following their loss to Bangladesh. It took a Dasun Shanaka special to get them past 160, which eventually fell below par. Sri Lanka carved past both Afghanistan and Bangladesh in the group stage, but the wheels have well and truly come off in the Super 4 stage.
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