SL vs PAK Asia Cup 2025: First Innings Highlights.The much-anticipated clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage lived up to expectations, with Pakistan’s bowlers dominating the first innings. Playing at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka found themselves under pressure early and managed only a modest total. Here’s a detailed look at the first innings of this high-voltage SL vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 contest.
Toss and Match Setting
- Toss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first.
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
- Format: T20, Super Four Asia Cup 2025.
The decision to bowl first proved fruitful as Pakistan’s bowlers struck early and kept Sri Lanka from building any strong partnerships.
Sri Lanka Batting Performance
Sri Lanka struggled against Pakistan’s fiery pace attack, collapsing early in the innings. The top order, including the experienced Kusal Mendis, failed to provide a solid start.
Top Batting Performances SL vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 First Innings Highlights
- Kamindu Mendis: The lone fighter for Sri Lanka, scoring a steady 50 runs off 44 balls, holding the innings together when wickets kept falling.
- Chamika Karunaratne: Added a useful 17 runs off 21 balls, ensuring the team crossed the 130-run mark.
- Pathum Nissanka: 8 runs (7 balls), including one six, but couldn’t convert his start.
Unfortunately, the rest of the batting lineup failed to contribute significantly, leaving Sri Lanka with a below-par total.
Pakistan’s Bowling Brilliance
Pakistan’s bowlers were relentless with their pace and accuracy, dismantling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
Key Bowling Performances
- Shaheen Afridi: The standout performer, delivering a lethal spell of 4 overs, 28 runs, and 3 wickets, including the early dismissal of Kusal Mendis for a duck.
- Haris Rauf: Effective in the death overs, claiming 2 wickets for 37 runs in 4 overs.
- Hussain Talat: Picked up crucial wickets in the middle overs, tightening the screws on Sri Lanka’s middle order.
- Abrar Ahmed: Supported well by keeping things tight in his spell.
The combination of early breakthroughs and controlled bowling in the middle overs left Sri Lanka gasping for runs.
Full Scorecard – Sri Lanka First Innings
Sri Lanka Innings – 130/8 in 19.4 overs
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | c hussain talat b Afridi |
| Pathum Nissanka | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | c Mohammad Haris b Afridi |
| Kamindu Mendis | 50 | 44 | 3 | 2 | lbw b Saheen Afridi |
| Chamika Karunaratne | 17 | 21 | 2 | 0 | not out* |
| Others | Low scores | – | – | – | – |
Extras: Minimal contributions (wides & no-balls included).
Fall of Wickets: 0–1, 18–2, 43–3, 58–4, 80–6, 130–8.
Turning Points of the Innings
- Shaheen Afridi’s Early Strikes – Removing Kusal Mendis early gave Pakistan a perfect start.
- Kamindu Mendis’ Resistance – His gritty knock was the only positive for Sri Lanka.
- Haris Rauf at the Death – Prevented Sri Lanka from accelerating in the final overs.
What This Means for the Match
Sri Lanka’s total of 130 runs is considered below average on the Abu Dhabi pitch. Pakistan will feel confident chasing this target, given their strong batting lineup. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers will hope to create early pressure with swing and spin.
Conclusion
The first innings of the SL vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 match was dominated by Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting order. Kamindu Mendis’ fighting knock gave Sri Lanka some hope, but defending 130 will require a herculean effort from their bowlers.
As the second innings unfolds, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s top order and whether Sri Lanka can stage a comeback with the ball.
