Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Aga Won the toss and chose to bowl first Sri Lanka In Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Conflict on Abu Dhabi. The game is a virtual knockout because both teams lost their initial super four fixtures, Pakistan India And Sri Lanka To Bangladesh. Here a necklace can end the expectations of both sides of reaching the final. Coming to link Sri Lankan crises, his star pacer Mathesh Pathirana Was rejected out just before the toss.
The reason behind Mathesh Pathirana is the major shock as Sri Lanka
Pathirana’s absence due to illness was announced by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), who confirmed that he missed two practice sessions and was subject to medical care. Known for his Sling Action and Lethal Yorkers, Pathirana has been an ex-factor in T20 cricket, but has also struggled with injuries throughout his career. His absence is a major setback for Sri Lanka in a winning position.
Pathirana’s unavailability could not come to Sri Lanka at a bad time. In a Do-or-Dai Super Four Encounter against Pakistan, a significant weapon was removed from the team’s arsenal by losing his leading death bowler. Pathirana, compared to often Lasith malinga For its unconventional sling action, the pin-point has created a reputation to tifting batsmen in the concluding overs with a yorker and misleading speed. However, SLC confirmed that it is ‘Unhealthy and under treatment,’ Leaving the side with a large gap to fill. Pathirana’s T20i record, 31 wickets at 18.25, throw light on their value, and without him, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack looks quite weak.
ACC Men Asia Cup 2025 – Sri Lanka team update
Mathesh Pathirana is unwell and will not be available for selection for today’s game against Pakistan.
He did not participate in team practice sessions during the last two days and is currently subject to medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/yi6gq5DJ40
– Sri Lanka Cricket@(@officialSlc) September 23, 2025
See also: Asia Cup 2025: Arshdeep Singh brutally trolled Haris Rauf with a fighter-jet gesture.
Pakistan eye benefits in the form of Sri Lanka struggle without strike bowler
For Pakistan, Pathirana’s absence provides a golden opportunity to exploit a low experienced Lankan bowling unit. Men in Green, still staunch rivals from another necklace are recovering to India, now effectively face Sri Lanka in an eliminator. Salman Ali AgaThe decision to bowl first suggests that Pakistan wants to chase under Roshni, especially a role in Abu Dhabi with dew.
Without Pathirana, Sri Lanka loses its important option on death, which can tilt the balance in Pakistan’s favor when the second batting. Sam Ayub And Fakhar Zaman A weak attack would be eager to capitalize on, while the order between Pakistan was criticized for incompatibility, will have a chance to find the form. Nevertheless, under the leadership of Sri Lankan spinners, Vanindu HasrangaKeep a threat to remain a threat, but the absence of their sling pacer completes half of their bowling plans. This development may be decisive in determining who survives in the final in the race.
