Pakistan squad prepares in Abu Dhabi for must-win tie against Sri Lanka

Pakistan’s cricket squad reached Abu Dhabi on Monday ahead of their Super Four encounter against Sri Lanka in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, a fixture seen as decisive for both sides’ chances of making the final.

The match is scheduled for September 22. After completing the game, the players will return to their base at a hotel in Dubai Marina. The squad is taking a full day of rest before the contest to ensure they are refreshed for the high-pressure fixture.

Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka enter the match under pressure, having lost their opening Super Four games. Pakistan were beaten by India by six wickets, while Sri Lanka fell to Bangladesh by four wickets. Pakistan are currently placed last in the Super Four standings due to an inferior net run rate compared to Sri Lanka.

India lead the table with two points from one match, ahead of Bangladesh on net run rate. The qualification race remains open, with several scenarios potentially deciding the finalists.

Pakistan’s path is particularly uncertain and could hinge on net run rate. Even two victories in their remaining fixtures may not guarantee progression, while in some cases, a single win might suffice. If both Pakistan and India win all their upcoming matches, the two sides will secure places in the final, scheduled for September 26.

Pakistan squad: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.