Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI 2025 Preview – November 13, 09:30 GMT

Match Overview

The second OneDay International (ODI) of the Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2025 will be played on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 09:30 GMT (14:30 IST / 15:30 Rawalpindi Local Time) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This encounter will be a crucial clash as both teams look to gain momentum in the three-match ODI series following the opening match on November 11.

Venue – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has proven to be a high-scoring venue in recent times, with a balanced playing surface that favors both batters and bowlers. The track is expected to offer some assistance to fast bowlers early on and spinners in the latter stages of the innings.

Team Form and Strengths

Pakistan – Building on Recent Success

Pakistan enters this series in strong form, having defeated South Africa in the previous ODI series, including a 21-run win in the last match. Under the captaincy of Shaheen Shah Afridi, the team has shown great depth and versatility in all departments.

• Babar Azam remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting, offering consistency and calm under pressure.
• Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman provide explosive starts, while Haseebullah Khan and Mohammad Rizwan form a reliable middle-order partnership.
• The pace attack features Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi with Faisal Akram making a strong case with his aggressive seam bowling.
• Spin support comes from Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed, who can trouble batters with variations.

Sri Lanka – On the Rise in ODIs

Sri Lanka arrives in Pakistan after a 20-run win over Zimbabwe and a 3-2 ODI series win over Bangladesh, indicating a resurgent side in white-ball cricket. Under Charith Asalanka, the team has shown better balance and composure.

• The top order, led by Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, is reliable and capable of posting competitive totals.
• The middle-order includes Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who are increasingly becoming match-winners.
• The spin attack, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, is world-class and can dominate on turning tracks.
• The pace department features Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Asitha Fernando, who can exploit flat tracks and provide early breakthroughs.

Key Matchup & Impact Players

Pakistan

• Shaheen Shah Afridi (C) – Captain and premier pacer, vital for both his aggressive bowling and lower-order batting.
• Babar Azam – The team’s anchor, expected to lead from the front with his class and consistency.
• Haris Rauf – Provides late swing and aggressive seam bowling that can dismantle chasing teams.
• Mohammad Nawaz – A versatile all-rounder who can control the middle overs and chip in with crucial runs.

Sri Lanka

• Charith Asalanka (C) – A rising star who has shown leadership and match-winning capability with both bat and ball.
• Wanindu Hasaranga – One of the best spinners in the world, expected to dominate on a turning track.
• Pathum Nissanka – A reliable opener who has shown the ability to accelerate and anchor the innings.
• Maheesh Theekshana – Complements Hasaranga with his leg-spin and is a big match performer.

Head-to-Head

The ODI rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is tightly contested, with both teams having won their fair share of encounters. In recent years, Sri Lanka has had a slight edge in bilateral series, but Pakistan has been in excellent form at home, especially in the ODI format.

Prediction

The second ODI promises to be a tight contest, with both teams having clear strengths. If Pakistan’s batting can post a competitive total and their pace attack can restrict Sri Lanka’s openers, they could edge the match. However, Sri Lanka’s spin attack and balanced batting lineup make them a dangerous opponent.

Predicted Winner: Sri Lanka (30-35 runs win) if the pitch turns, Pakistan (25-30 runs win) on a flat track.

Broadcast and Live Streaming

• Pakistan: A Sports, Ten Sports HD, Tapmad, Tamasha
• Sri Lanka: Dialog TV Ch. 62 & 126, Dialog ViU+ App, TV Supreme
• USA & Canada: Sling TV, Willow TV
• UK: PCB Live
• Global: Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, and other live streaming platforms

Final Words

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is set for an electrifying ODI as two Asian powerhouses go head-to-head. With the series still level, this match could be a turning point in the series. Fans can expect high-quality cricket and a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams.
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