Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI – Match Preview

Date: Saturday, 16th November 2025
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Start Time: 09:30 AM GMT | 02:30 PM Local | 02:30 PM PKT

Series Context

The 3rd and final OneDay International (ODI) of the Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan takes place at the iconic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With the series already decided in Pakistan's favor, this match will serve as a final opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of upcoming ICC tournaments and the subsequent T20I tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

The first two ODIs have showcased Pakistan's dominance, and the hosts are expected to continue their strong form. For Sri Lanka, the focus will be on maintaining their competitive spirit and identifying key areas for improvement, particularly in the middle and death overs.

Current Form

Pakistan

Pakistan enters this contest in excellent form, having just won a 2-1 series against South Africa. Their batting lineup, led by the ever-reliable Babar Azam, has been in good rhythm, with Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub adding consistent runs. The pace attack, spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, has been complemented by the aggressive spells of Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, while Abrar Ahmed has been a dependable option with the ball.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, currently 4th in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, has shown promise in their 2-0 series win over Zimbabwe. However, they struggled in the first two ODIs against Pakistan and will need to perform better if they are to avoid a whitewash. Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka have been the standout performers with the bat, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Asitha Fernando are expected to lead the bowling charge.

Key Players to Watch

Pakistan

• Salman Ali Agha: With a batting average of 50.8, Agha has been a reliable run-scorer and is expected to anchor the innings.
• Babar Azam: The team's run machine, with the ability to score at a brisk pace.
• Abrar Ahmed: The left-arm seamer has taken 18 wickets at an average of 23.6 and is a key match-winner.

Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka: The opener has a strike rate of 80+ and is expected to provide the platform for a competitive total.
• Wanindu Hasaranga: A dual threat with both bat and ball, Hasaranga is vital to Sri Lanka's success in the middle and death overs.
• Asitha Fernando: The seamer has 23 wickets in 12 games at an average of 21.3 and is a key figure in the attack.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Pakistan: 4 wins
• Sri Lanka: 1 win

Pakistan has historically held the upper hand in this rivalry, especially in recent contests.

Venue Analysis: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Rawalpindi has been a batting-friendly venue in recent times, with the following key statistics:

• Average 1st Innings Score (2025): 274.3
• Win Percentage Chasing: 71.4%
• Economy Rate (Fast Bowlers): 5.59
• Economy Rate (Spin Bowlers): 5.61

The pitch typically favors bat-first strategies, and chasing teams have had a higher success rate. Spinners have struggled in comparison to seamers, making this a crucial factor for both teams' strategies.

Squads

Pakistan

• Shaheen Shah Afridi (c)
• Abrar Ahmed
• Babar Azam
• Faheem Ashraf
• Faisal Akram
• Fakhar Zaman
• Haris Rauf
• Haseebullah
• Hussain Talat
• Mohammad Nawaz
• Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
• Mohammad Wasim Jr
• Naseem Shah
• Saim Ayub
• Salman Ali Agha

Sri Lanka

• Charith Asalanka (c)
• Pathum Nissanka
• Lahiru Udara (wk)
• Kusal Mendis (wk)
• Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk)
• Kamil Mishara
• Pavan Rathnayake
• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Janith Liyanage
• Kamindu Mendis
• Dushmantha Chameera
• Asitha Fernando
• Eshan Malinga
• Pramod Madushan
• Maheesh Theekshana

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Pakistan
• Match Winner: Pakistan
• Top Batter Runs Scored: Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan), Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
• Top Bowler Wickets Taken: Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
• Most Sixes: Saim Ayub (Pakistan), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
• Player of the Match: Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)
• Team Scores Batting First:
  • Pakistan: 270+
  • Sri Lanka: 260+

Broadcast and Live Streaming

• Pakistan: A Sports, Ten Sports HD, Tapmad, Tamasha
• Sri Lanka: Dialog TV#62 & 126, Dialog ViU+ App, TV Supreme
• USA & Canada: Sling TV Willow TV
• South Africa: Super Sport 201, 212
• Bangladesh: T Sports
• UK: PCB Live
• MENA & Southeast Asia: Cricbuzz

Conclusion

The final ODI of the series promises to be an exciting contest with both teams looking to end the competition on a high note. Pakistan, with a strong batting lineup and a well-balanced bowling attack, are favorites to win. Sri Lanka, however, will look to leverage their spin resources and chase down a competitive total. With Rawalpindi favoring batters, the toss could be a crucial factor in determining the outcome.

Catch all the action live at 09:30 AM GMT, Saturday, 16th November 2025.
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