Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 1st ODI Preview (2025, 11th November)

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, 11th November 2025
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan
• Start Time: 09:30 AM GMT | 02:30 PM Local | 03:00 PM IST

Head-to-Head Overview

• Total Matches Played: 157
• Pakistan Wins: 93
• Sri Lanka Wins: 59
• No Result/Tied: 5

In their last five matches, Pakistan has dominated with 3 wins, while Sri Lanka has managed 1 win. However, the recent encounter in the 2025 Asia Cup saw Sri Lanka come out on top, adding intrigue to this contest.

Team Form and Strengths

Pakistan

Pakistan has been in strong form, particularly in the batting department. After a challenging phase in the ODI format, they bounced back with a 2-1 series win over South Africa. The team's core strength lies in its batting line-up:

• Saim Ayub (712 runs in 15 games at an average of 50.85)
• Salman Agha (556 runs in 2025 at 42.76)
• Mohammad Rizwan – a reliable wicketkeeper batter
• Babar Azam – the calm and composed anchor

The bowling attack is a balanced mix of pace and spin, with Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi (captain) providing early pressure, while Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub offer support in the middle overs.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has been impressive in 2025, winning 7 of their 10 games. Their top order remains a point of concern, but with Pathum Nissanka (2670 runs at 42.25) and Charith Asalanka (456 runs at 50.66) in the middle, they have the firepower to chase down any total.

The bowling attack is a key strength, with Asitha Fernando (22 wickets at 17.4) and Wanindu Hasaranga leading the charge, supported by spin options Maheesh Theekshana and Hasaranga. With a pitch expected to offer some turn, Sri Lanka could thrive with their spin-heavy attack.

Key Players to Watch

Pitch and Venue Insights

• Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has historically favored chasing teams, with 80% of matches won by the side batting second.
• Average first innings score (2020–2025): 250–315
• Wicket distribution:
  • Powerplay: 1.33 wickets
  • Middle Overs: 3 wickets
  • Death Overs: 2.5 wickets
• Bowling conditions:
  • Fast bowlers average 35.51, economy 5.49
  • Spin bowlers average 60.10, economy 5.65

The pitch is expected to offer some assistance to spinners in the second innings, making the decision to chase an attractive option.

Possible Playing XIs

Pakistan

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Saim Ayub
3. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
4. Babar Azam
5. Salman Agha
6. Mohammad Nawaz
7. Faheem Ashraf
8. Haris Rauf
9. Naseem Shah
10. Shaheen Afridi (c)
11. Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Lahiru Udara (wk)
3. Kusal Mendis (wk)
4. Charith Asalanka (c)
5. Sadeera Samarawickrama
6. Kamindu Mendis
7. Janith Liyanage
8. Wanindu Hasaranga
9. Maheesh Theekshana
10. Dushmantha Chameera
11. Asitha Fernando

Match Prediction

Despite Pakistan's strong record against Sri Lanka and the confidence of its top-order batters, Sri Lanka's spin-heavy attack could exploit the conditions in Rawalpindi. The balance in their batting and the experience of their middle order batters, especially Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka, could tip the scales in their favor.

Final Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match
Top Batters: Saim Ayub (Pakistan), Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
Top Bowler: Asitha Fernando (Sri Lanka)
Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
Expected Score: Pakistan 260+, Sri Lanka 265+
Toss Winner: Pakistan (likely)

Conclusion

The first ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka promises to be a closely contested encounter. While Pakistan has the home advantage and a strong batting line-up, Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions and balanced team could give them the edge. With both teams in good form, the result will likely hinge on how the openers fare and whether the spinners can make an early impact.
“`