Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – T20I TriSeries 2025 Match Preview

Date: Thursday, 27th November 2025
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Start Time: 01:00 PM BST | 06:30 PM IST | 06:00 PM Local

Match Context

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash in the 6th T20I of the 2025 T20I TriSeries promises to be a thrilling encounter. With Pakistan already having secured their place in the finals, this match is a battle for pride and momentum. For Sri Lanka, however, it is a crucial opportunity to qualify for the final, as they need a win to keep their hopes alive.

Team Form & Momentum

Pakistan

Pakistan has been in dominant form, having won all three of their previous matches and securing a spot in the final. Their balanced squad and strong bowling attack have been key to their success. Batters like Sahibzada Farhan and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz have been in good touch, while fast bowlers Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi have consistently delivered under pressure.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka enters this match with a lot at stake. They have to win to keep their qualification hopes alive, and they will be relying on their star performers such as Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. The team has shown resilience in the tournament so far, and a strong performance can go a long way in turning the tide in their favor.

Head-to-Head

In the last five T20I matches between these two teams, Sri Lanka holds a slight edge with three wins to Pakistan’s two. However, Pakistan has been showing signs of improvement in recent contests, and with the home advantage and the nature of the venue, they could be favorites once again.

Venue Insights – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has historically favored batting sides, with an average first-innings score of 194.3 in 2025. Spin bowlers have fared well here, with a lower economy rate compared to fast bowlers. The pitch is expected to be slightly slow and offering assistance to spinners as the game progresses. Teams batting first have a better winning percentage (55.3%) at this venue.

Key Players to Watch

Pakistan

• Sahibzada Farhan – The aggressive opener has been a key run-scorer for Pakistan in the tournament.
• Mohammad Nawaz – A consistent all-rounder with the bat and the ball.
• Abrar Ahmed – Has been Pakistan’s wicket-taking machine in recent matches.
• Babar Azam – The captain’s calm and calculated approach under pressure is always a highlight.

Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka – The dynamic opener who has the ability to dominate the innings.
• Wanindu Hasaranga – The leg-spinner has been instrumental with both bat and ball.
• Dushmantha Chameera – A dangerous fast bowler with a knack for picking up early wickets.
• Kusal Mendis – The experienced batter who can anchor the innings and accelerate as needed.

Predictions

• Toss Winner: Sri Lanka
• Match Winner: Pakistan
• Top Batter (Runs):
  • Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)
  • Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
• Top Bowler (Wickets):
  • Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)
  • Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
• Most Sixes:
  • Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan)
  • Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
• Player of the Match: Pakistan
• Team Scores (Batting First):
  • Pakistan: 170+
  • Sri Lanka: 150+

Key Insights

• Fakhar's Winning Formula: Pakistan wins 77% of the time when Fakhar Zaman scores over 50.
• Boundary Rate Blitz: Mohammad Nawaz averages a boundary rate of 20% in international innings.
• Dot Ball Dilemma: Babar Azam sees only 32% of the balls he faces as dot balls.
• Wicket Wonders Unleashed: Salman Mirza takes more than 3 wickets in 22% of his international innings.
• Economy Rate Rumble: Salman Mirza's economy rate remains below 6.00 in 44% of his spells.
• Powerplay Wicket Wonders: Nuwan Thushara has taken 64% of his Powerplay wickets in international games.

Final Verdict

This match is expected to be an exciting contest, with Pakistan slightly favored due to their current form and home advantage. However, Sri Lanka's need to win could drive them to peak performance. The toss will be crucial, especially considering the venue favors batting first. With both teams having strong lineups and key match-winners, this T20I promises to be a must-watch.

© Cricket World 2025
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