NEW DELHI: After disappointing starts in the Super 4s, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be desperate to register their first win in this crucial stage of the Asia Cup when they meet on Tuesday.Pakistan, in particular, have been struggling not just on the field but off it as well. Off-field controversies have dominated headlines, casting a shadow over their performances. Their confidence took another hit after a heavy loss to arch-rivals India on Sunday, marking their second defeat to the ‘Men in Blue’ in this tournament.The Super 4s come after a mixed group-stage campaign for Pakistan. They started strongly, defeating Oman by a commanding 93 runs on September 12. However, their momentum was halted when India overpowered them by seven wickets on September 14. Pakistan bounced back with a 41-run win over the United Arab Emirates on September 17, but inconsistencies were evident as their net run rate ended at -0.689. With four points from three matches, they qualified for the Super 4s, carrying both hope and pressure into the next stage.Fans have been vocal about their frustrations after the loss to India. One fan vented their anger on social media: “Babar Azam, Rizwan chodo. Wo iss wicket pe 180-190 bana dete. But apna captain hi brainless hai. Kisko deni hai bowling, kisko nahi deni, ye bina jazbaat ke decide hota hai. Ab 2 matches bache hain, jeet jayenge ye, final mein chale jayenge. Fir se 28 ko zaleel ho jayenge.” [Forget Babar Azam and Rizwan. They could easily have scored 180–190 on this wicket. But their captain is completely brainless. Deciding who should bowl and who shouldn’t is done without any thought or instinct. Now there are two matches left, they might win those. But then on the 28th, they’ll be humiliated again.]With their morale low and scrutiny mounting, Pakistan now face a do-or-die situation.
