Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bowl first against Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash at Abu Dhabi. The game is a virtual knockout as both teams lost their opening Super Four fixtures, Pakistan to India and Sri Lanka to Bangladesh. A defeat here could end either side’s hopes of reaching the final. Adding to Sri Lanka’s woes, their star pacer Matheesha Pathirana was ruled out just before the toss.

Reason behind Matheesha Pathirana absence as Sri Lanka face major setback

The announcement of Pathirana’s absence due to illness,  was made by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), which confirmed he had missed two practice sessions and was under medical care. Known for his slingy action and lethal yorkers, Pathirana has been an x-factor in T20 cricket but has also battled injuries throughout his career. His absence is a major blow for Sri Lanka in a must-win situation.

The unavailability of Pathirana could not have come at a worse time for Sri Lanka. In a do-or-die Super Four encounter against Pakistan, losing their premier death bowler removes a vital weapon from the team’s arsenal. Pathirana, often compared to Lasith Malinga for his unorthodox slingy action, has built a reputation for stifling batters in the closing overs with pin-point yorkers and deceptive pace. However, SLC confirmed that he is ‘unwell and under treatment,’ leaving the side with a big gap to fill. Pathirana’s T20I record, 31 wickets at 18.25,  highlights his value, and without him, Sri Lanka’s bowling attack looks significantly weakened.

ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 – Sri Lanka Team Update

Matheesha Pathirana is unwell and will not be available for selection for today’s game against Pakistan.

He did not take part in team practice sessions during the last two days and is currently under medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/Yi6Gq5dJ40

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 23, 2025

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Pakistan eye advantage as Sri Lanka struggle without strike bowler

For Pakistan, Pathirana’s absence offers a golden opportunity to exploit a less experienced Lankan bowling unit. The Men in Green, still recovering from another defeat to arch-rivals India, now face Sri Lanka in what is effectively an eliminator. Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bowl first suggests Pakistan want to chase under lights, especially with dew likely to play a role in Abu Dhabi.

Without Pathirana, Sri Lanka lose their key option at the death, which could tilt the balance in Pakistan’s favour if they bat second. Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman will be eager to capitalize against a weakened attack, while Pakistan’s middle order, criticized for inconsistency,  will have the chance to find form. Still, Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, remain a threat, but the absence of their slingy pacer leaves their bowling plans half complete. This development could be decisive in determining who stays alive in the race to the final.

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