SL vs PAK: Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2023, Super Four Match 5- Predicted 

SL vs PAK match winner will face India in Asia Cup 2023 finals on 17th September.

Asia Cup 2023 has reached the end of the super four stage. Only two matches are left to play. India have made it to the finals of the tournament after beating Pakistan and Sri Lanka in consecutive games. Now one spot is left to grab for the finals. The next match will decide the second finalist.

Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan on Thursday at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in what could be a knockout game between the two teams. A win will help you qualify for the finals, while a defeat means the end of the road. Sri Lanka are playing pretty good cricket, and despite a close loss, they will be confident against Pakistan. So we will talk here about the predicted playing XI for Sri Lanka against Pakistan.

SL vs PAK: Sri Lanka's Predicted Playing XI vs Pakistan

1. Pathum Nissanka :

Pathum Nissanka hasn't been consistent in this tournament but has had some good starts. He has scored 101 runs in four innings at an average of 25.25. He is a dasher at the top who can take the game away on the powerplay. His role will be very important, and he needs to make sure that Sri Lanka does not lose wickets to Pakistani pacers early on because that will put pressure on Pakistan.

2. Dimuth Karunaratne :

Looking at the current Sri Lankan team, Dimuth Karunaratne is the most complete batsman at the moment. But he hasn't gotten going completely. The left-hander has scored only 53 runs in four innings, but he is Sri Lanka's best option at the top because, with so much experience playing in test cricket, Karunaratne knows how to take the innings together and play long.

3. Kusal Mendis :

A lot will depend on how Kusal Mendis goes about his business because he is a big wicket for the opposition. He knows how to deal with all kinds of bowling and has been a superstar in doing so. Mendis' role will be to take the innings deep, and other batters can play aggressive cricket around him. He has scored 162 runs so far at 40.50 and is in good form.

4. Sadeera Samarawickrama :

Sadeera Samarawickrama is Sri Lanka's highest runs-scorer in this competition and has been scoring runs in almost all the games. His innings against Bangladesh helped Sri Lanka win. He has scored 167 runs in four innings at an average of 41.75, and his team will look to him to carry on and do well against Pakistan.

5. Charith Asalanka :

A bowling spell of 4/18 is just incredible against any team, and Charith Asalanka registered this against India. He came out of the box, wrapped the Indian lower order, and showed that he can also bowl. His primary role is batting, and he has done a decent job so far. Asalanka has scored 130 runs in four innings at 43.3 and is in good form.

6. Dhananjaya de Silva :

Dhananjaya de Silva is very important in the Sri Lankan middle order, and his all-round skills are very important for Sri Lanka. In Colombo, spinners get a lot of help, and De Silva can exploit that turn and trouble Pakistan. He is also a good batter who plays well against any type of bowling. His role will be very important against Pakistan.

7. Dasun Shanaka (c) :

Sri Lankan captain, Dasun Shanaka, will do everything to stay alive in this competition and beat Pakistan. Shanaka led Sri Lanka to victory last season and will be keen to do it once again. He is a great asset with both the bat and the ball. Sri Lanka need a captain's performance from him, and he has the ability to do so.

8. Dunith Wellalage :

How often is it seen that a player from the losing side gets Man of the Match? But that happened last night. The 20-years-old Dunith Wellalage was phenomenal with both the bat and the ball. He took 5/40, followed it up with an unbeaten 42 off 46, and almost took his team to victory. That performance will give him a lot of confidence, and he will be a big player against Pakistan.

9. Maheesh Theekshana :

Maheesh Theekshana is Sri Lanka's best spinner at the moment. He can bowl at any stage, and he did trouble the Indians. The pitch in Colombo is expected to turn, and that is where Theekshana can be dangerous. Pakistan struggled against Kuldeep Yadav, and Theekshana can deliver this kind of performance as well.

10. Kasun Rajitha :

Kasun Rajitha has under-performed so far in this tournament, but he is currently the best Sri Lanka have got after injuries to their first-choice bowlers. Rajitha can swing the ball upfront and can be tricky at times. Pakistani openers are struggling at the moment, and he can put pressure on them by taking early wickets.

11. Matheesha Pathirana :

Matheesha Pathirana had an off-day against India, but he is Sri Lanka's highest wicket-taker in Asia Cup 2023. He has taken eight wickets in four games at an average of 23. Pathirana is very difficult to pick for those who haven't played unusual actions. He will surely pose a challenge for Pakistan, which is already under pressure.