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Throwback to 2015: When crowd chaos forced an unforeseen interruption in PAK vs SL ODI

Poulomi Chakraborty

Crowd Interuption In SL vs PAK  ODI Clash (Source: @ANI/x.com)Crowd Interuption In SL vs PAK  ODI Clash (Source: @ANI/x.com)

The Asia Cup 2025 battle is heating up as the tournament moves into its crucial stages. With the Super Four stage underway, Pakistan gears up for its second showdown against Sri Lanka in what promises to be a thrilling clash.

Being two of the most renowned forces of the cricket world for a long time, both have delivered some unmissable thrillers. But their 2015 clash took an unexpected turn when crowd violence disrupted play, leaving behind one of the most bizarre and unsettling moments in their rivalry.

Chaos in the stands halts Sri Lanka–Pakistan ODI thriller

Over the years, cricket has been a source of entertainment, as sometimes the thrills cross the boundaries too. As the cricketers often engage in intense battle on the field, sometimes the fans' involvement add extra spice to it. A striking example came in 2015, when Pakistan and Sri Lanka clashed in an ODI, and crowd disruption unexpectedly stole the spotlight.

As Pakistan was locking horns with Sri Lanka in a thrilling five-match ODI series, the third match of the showdown took place at the Iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. After Pakistan put on a massive total on the board, Sri Lanka was chasing down the target while struggling with their form.

As the home side was standing on 158/7 in the 34th over, the disturbance took place. The match was disrupted when a stone was hurled onto the field. The chaos followed clashes in the terraced section of the south-eastern stand while Sri Lanka was batting.

Before any player could be harmed, match referee Javagal Srinath halted play for over half an hour. Anti-riot squads were deployed to clear the two most affected sections, turning a cricket match into a scene of unexpected turmoil.

While several vehicles were damaged and some spectators were injured, the players remained safe, far from the fiery chaos. In the history of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash, the moment will be remembered as a dark chapter.

Men in Green triumph amid on-field chaos

The clash will be remembered for the uncanny moment, but Pakistan's exceptional performance can't be overlooked. While batting first, Ahmed Shehzad and Azhar Ali gave a solid start to their innings. After their dismissals, Mohammad Hafeez's thrilling half-century combined with captain Sarfaraz Ahmed's crucial 77-run innings propelled Pakistan to an imposing total of 316 runs.

Channelling their extraordinary form in the second innings, Pakistan's lethal bowling shattered Sri Lanka's batting lineup. Yasir Shah’s outstanding four-wicket haul, followed by Anwar Ali and Imad Wasim's domination, restricted the home side to just 181 runs as the Men in Green pulled off a whopping 135-run victory.