Big Picture
Let's cool things down a little. Two high-profile, highly-charged matches have happened. Some hands have not found the company of other hands at times around cricket matches where hands and other hands are supposed to find the company of hands.
We are not naming names, or specifying political indiscretions. But at least on Tuesday, there should be some peace. Perhaps even some love.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka tends to be borderline sappy.
Both these teams also have some pride to resurrect. The reasons for Pakistan's self-esteem doldrums are obvious. If Sri Lanka was Pakistan's roommate in a sitcom right now, they'd be telling Pakistan to get their act together with an arm around their shoulders with insults dressed winkingly as compliments. Pakistan might point out that Sri Lanka aren't doing so hot themselves, having lost to Bangladesh in the first Super Four match. Sri Lanka might respond by asking Pakistan to count the number of Asia Cup trophies on their cabinet. (Because this preview is written by a Sri Lankan, Sri Lankans get last word in all arguments.)
Sri Lanka and Pakistan have not tested themselves against each other in T20Is for a while. The last time they played was in 2022, when in the 2010s they used to almost ritualistically have full tours every year.
On the surface, they seem evenly matched, however. Pakistan have batting firepower issues. Sri Lanka have batting firepower issues. Pakistan are ranked seventh. Sri Lanka are ranked eighth. Both teams are attempting revivals. Sri Lanka believe theirs has really started. A win against Pakistan will help affirm it.
Form guide
Sri Lanka: LWWWL
Pakistan: LWLWW
In the spotlight
Haris Rauf has only played two T20Is against Sri Lanka, but has five wickets, and an economy rate of 6.85 against them. He was also Pakistan's best quick in the last match against India, taking 2 for 26. Sri Lanka tend to back themselves against left-arm seam, with so many left-handers in the top order. But in the last match, they did lose three wickets to Mustafizur Rahman.
Nuwan Thushara has become known for his outswing at the top of the innings, which has yielded him valuable powerplay wickets. In the last match however, Bangladesh's Saif Hassan countered Thushara by running down the track and bludgeoning him straight. Thushara is a reasonably experienced bowler now. Can he bounce back?
Pitch and conditions
Abu Dhabi tends to be one of the higher-scoring venues in the UAE. Although slower bowlers can sometimes prosper there. Sri Lanka won both matches here in the group stage.
Team news
Although licking their wounds after the loss to India, Pakistan may keep the same XI.
Pakiistan (possible): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Saim Ayub, 4 Hussain Talat, 5 Mohammad Nawaz, 6 Salman Agha (capt.), 7 Faheem Ashraf, 8 Mohammad Haris, 9 Shaheen Afridi, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar Ahmed
Sri Lanka are seriously considering adding a bowler. Maheesh Theekshana may come back into the XI.
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamil Mishara, 4 Kusal Perera, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt.), 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Nuwan Thushara
Stats and trivia
Sri Lanka have won all five most-recent T20Is against Pakistan, a streak going back to October 2019.
In the UAE, however, Pakistan have won four T20Is against Sri Lanka, out of seven encounters.
Openers Pathum Nissanka and Sahibzada Farhan are the tournament's No. 2 and No. 3 runscorers so far, behind india opener Abhishek Sharma. Sri Lanka's other opener, Kusal Mendis, is fifth on that list.
Quotes"We tend to have four 'proper bowlers' and then Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, and me, have to make up the other overs. But this is T20, and even our best bowlers sometimes go for 40 or 45. If we had another bowler, it would help. But we're still deciding how to go forward."
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka doesn't have a fixed plan just yet
