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Sri Lankan players Pakistan need to be wary of ahead of Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 Match

Jatin

Pakistan will lock horns with Sri Lanka [Source: @DoctorofCricket, @88off94/x.com]Pakistan will lock horns with Sri Lanka [Source: @DoctorofCricket, @88off94/x.com]

The Asia Cup 2025 has already given fans its fair share of drama and the Super Fours clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 23 in Abu Dhabi promises to be no different. Both sides are licking their wounds after defeats in their previous outings.

Sri Lanka stumbled against Bangladesh while Pakistan were blown away by India’s batting muscle. This makes the upcoming PAK vs SL match more than just another game. It’s a battle for survival.

And for Pakistan, there are a few Sri Lankan names that could cause real headaches if not kept in check. Let’s take a look at three Sri Lankan players Agha Salma’s Pakistan should be wary of ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 match.

3. Dasun Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka has been quietly putting together a dream run in this Asia Cup. In 4 matches so far, he has scored 71 runs at an average of 71.00 and a strike rate of 165.11. His best knock came in the last game against Bangladesh where he hammered an unbeaten 64 off just 37 balls, smacking 4 fours and 6 sixes.

And that is just half the story. With the ball, Shanaka has chipped in with 4 wickets at an economy rate of 7.56, including a brilliant 2/21 in 2.5 overs against Bangladesh. His dual threat makes him the perfect utility player. For Pakistan, he is the nightmare package, someone who can break partnerships with the ball and then come back to finish games with the bat with his power-hitting.

2. Nuwan Thushara

Nuwan Thushara has been one of the finds of the Asia Cup 2025. In 4 matches, he has bowled 16 overs and has picked up 6 wickets at an average of 18.83 and a strike rate of 16. His best spell so far is 4/18, which shows he has the ability to run through line-ups. What makes him extra lethal is his powerplay impact.

In this edition, Thushara has taken 5 wickets in the first six overs across 4 innings, maintaining an economy of 6.45 and an average of 14.2. Add to that a dot-ball percentage of 54.5, and you know he can strangle Pakistan’s top three: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, who are already vulnerable against swing. One early burst from Thushara could put Pakistan firmly on the back foot.

1. Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka has been Sri Lanka’s run bank in this tournament. In 4 innings, he has piled up 146 runs at an average of 36.50 and a strike rate of 148.97. He has already notched up 2 half-centuries with a highest score of 68 and has cracked 16 fours and 4 sixes along the way. Those numbers make him the second-highest run-getter of Asia Cup 2025 so far. 

Moreover, he is doing it with class too, strong on the off side, nimble against spin and quick to put away loose balls. Pakistan’s bowling hasn’t clicked with Shaheen Afridi struggling for rhythm and Haris Rauf not at his best. Nissanka is exactly the sort of batter who can cash in on that. If he bats deep, Pakistan could find themselves chasing leather under the Abu Dhabi lights.