Match: 1st ODI, Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2025
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM Local (2:00 PM PKT / 2:30 PM IST)
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Series: Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan (3-match ODI series)
Toss: Yet to take place
Match Preview
Pakistan and Sri Lanka kick off their three-match ODI series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The hosts come into this series with great confidence after beating South Africa 2-1 at home. Under new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan won the final ODI by seven wickets, showing they’re in strong form.
Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, are returning to international cricket after their Asia Cup campaign. They have a balanced squad with experienced players like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. However, they’ll face a tough challenge adjusting to Pakistani conditions.
History favors Pakistan heavily in this matchup. Out of 157 ODI meetings, Pakistan have won 93 matches compared to Sri Lanka’s 59 victories. The last ODI series between these teams in 2019/20 was won by Pakistan 2-0.
Pitch Report & Weather Forecast
Pitch Conditions
The Rawalpindi pitch offers good bounce and carry for fast bowlers, especially in the early overs when the ball swings. Average first innings scores hover around 240 runs. However, dew is expected to play a major role in the second innings, making the ball skid onto the bat and favoring teams chasing.
Pakistan has prepared spin-friendly tracks in recent matches, which has worked well for them. The pitch is expected to slow down as the match progresses, giving spinners more grip and turn.
Weather Conditions
The weather forecast shows sunny conditions with a gentle breeze throughout the match. Teams bowling first have won nearly 80% of previous matches at this venue, making the toss crucial.
Likely Playing XI
Pakistan (Likely XI)
Source: Cricket Addictor, India.com
- Saim Ayub
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Salman Agha
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
Note: Naseem Shah is expected to return after missing the final ODI against South Africa, while Fakhar Zaman keeps his spot despite struggling with form recently.
Sri Lanka (Likely XI)
Source: Cricket Addictor, Cricket World
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis
- Charith Asalanka
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Asitha Fernando
- Pramod Madushan OR Jeffrey Vandersay
Note: Sri Lanka is expected to field two fast bowlers (Chameera and Fernando) and two spinners (Theekshana and Hasaranga), with Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis as the fifth bowling options.
Players to Watch
Batters
| Player | Team | Role | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | Pakistan | Opening batter | Impressed with strong performances against South Africa and is in excellent form |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | Top-order batter | Managed only 45 runs across three innings against South Africa; needs to rediscover form |
| Pathum Nissanka | Sri Lanka | Opening batter | Capable of playing long innings and is one of Sri Lanka’s best batters |
| Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka | Wicketkeeper-batter | Experienced player who can handle both pace and spin effectively |
Bowlers
| Player | Team | Role | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | Fast bowler (captain) | Will lead the pace attack with responsibility to pick early wickets |
| Abrar Ahmed | Pakistan | Spinner | Key spinner expected to provide control and wickets in middle overs on a spin-friendly track |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | Spin allrounder | An intelligent spinner who can break partnerships when it matters most |
| Asitha Fernando | Sri Lanka | Fast bowler | Since January 2025, Fernando has claimed 22 wickets in 10 ODI matches at an economy of 5.53 |
What to Expect
This match should be a competitive contest between two talented teams. Pakistan’s home advantage and recent winning streak give them the edge. With dew expected in the second innings and teams bowling first winning 80% of matches at this venue, the toss will be crucial.
Pakistan’s pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf will look to exploit early movement before spinners take over in middle overs. For Sri Lanka, their experienced batting lineup must handle the pressure of chasing or setting big totals on a challenging surface.
Match Prediction
Pakistan are favorites to win this opening match. Their strong home record, current form, and experience of the Rawalpindi conditions give them a clear advantage. However, Sri Lanka’s quality spinners and experienced batters could make this closer than expected.
Predicted Winner: Pakistan
Key Factor: The toss and early wickets will decide the match