Pakistan Defeats Sri Lanka to Stay in Contention
Pakistan revived their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a crucial five-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Earlier, Pakistan had defeated the UAE by 41 runs to secure their place in the Super Four stage. The result earned Pakistan two valuable points, placing them second on the Super Four points table and keeping alive their hopes of qualifying for the tournament’s final.
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bowl first. The decision paid off as Sri Lanka were restricted to 133 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Kamindu Mendis stood out for Sri Lanka with a steady knock of 50, while Pakistan’s bowlers applied consistent pressure throughout.
In response, Pakistan chased down the target in the 18th over, finishing at 134 for five. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the middle order ensured there were no late hiccups. The victory secured two crucial points and lifted Pakistan above Bangladesh on the table, though much still depends on upcoming matches.
Current Super Four Standings
Each team in the Super Four stage plays three matches, with the top two advancing to the final. At present, the standings are as follows:
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India: 1 win, 2 points – 1st place
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Pakistan: 1 win from 2 games, 2 points – 2nd place
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Bangladesh: 1 win, 2 points – 3rd place
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Sri Lanka: 0 wins, 0 points – 4th place
India currently leads on net run rate, while Sri Lanka, having lost both matches so far, are virtually eliminated from contention.
The Simplest Route for Pakistan
The clearest path for Pakistan to reach the final is to beat Bangladesh in their final Super Four fixture. If India also wins both of their remaining matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, they will top the group with six points. Pakistan, with four points, would then qualify comfortably for the final as the second-placed team.
This scenario would leave Bangladesh on two points and Sri Lanka winless, eliminating both.
The Complications: Net Run Rate Could Decide
However, if India slips against Bangladesh on Wednesday, the qualification race will tighten. In that case, Pakistan’s progression could hinge on net run rate (NRR), a statistical tiebreaker that compares teams’ scoring efficiency and bowling effectiveness.
For instance, if India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh all end with the same number of points, NRR would determine which two sides advance. In such a scenario, Pakistan would not only need to beat Bangladesh but might also require a convincing margin of victory to boost their NRR.
Net run rate has often played a decisive role in multi-team tournaments. In last year’s Asia Cup, Sri Lanka edged out Afghanistan on NRR despite both teams finishing with identical points, highlighting how narrow margins can shape outcomes.
Pakistan’s Task Ahead
For now, Pakistan’s fate remains in their own hands. A win against Bangladesh will keep them in a strong position, especially if India maintains its dominance. Yet, given cricket’s unpredictability, Pakistan must prepare for every possibility, including a net run rate shootout.
The team will also need key players to step up in the decisive clash. Consistency from top-order batters and disciplined bowling will be vital. Moreover, avoiding middle-order collapses, which have haunted Pakistan in recent tournaments, could be the difference between reaching the final or exiting prematurely.
Looking Forward
As the Super Four stage heads into its final stretch, the Asia Cup 2025 has already delivered high drama and shifting fortunes. With Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh all still in the running, the coming days promise intense competition.
For Pakistani fans, the equation is simple: beat Bangladesh and hope India holds its nerve. Anything less could see qualification decided by the smallest of margins — or slip away altogether.
