Match: 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2025
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM PKT (3:00 PM IST)
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Series Status: Pakistan leads 1-0
Match Context
Pakistan will look to seal the three-match ODI series when they face Sri Lanka in the second game at Rawalpindi on Thursday. The hosts won the first ODI by six runs in a thrilling encounter, with Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten 105 and Haris Rauf’s four-wicket haul proving decisive.
Pakistan defended 300 runs successfully in the first match, thanks to disciplined bowling led by Haris Rauf. Sri Lanka came close but lost wickets in clusters through the middle overs, with Wanindu Hasaranga’s fighting 59 not enough to get them over the line.
Both teams are expected to field unchanged lineups after the competitive first match.
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Conditions
The Rawalpindi surface is expected to be batting-friendly, with dew likely to play a role under the lights. The pitch traditionally assists versatile bowling attacks but also offers solid batting surfaces, with early movement and swing available for fast bowlers.
Totals in the range of 270-280 are achievable, and dew may become a factor in the evening. The pitch should help batters as the game progresses, making chasing a viable option.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Rawalpindi for the 2nd ODI is expected to be clear with no chance of rain, and conditions will remain dry throughout the match. Temperature is forecast between 18°C and 22°C, with 50% humidity.
Expected Playing XIs
Pakistan (Likely XI)
Source: ESPNcricinfo, Newsbytes
Pakistan’s probable playing XI includes: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.
Pakistan is unlikely to make changes after their successful bowling performance in the first match.
Sri Lanka (Likely XI)
Sri Lanka’s probable line-up features: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, and Asitha Fernando.
Sri Lanka is likely to field an unchanged bowling combination despite considering an extra fast bowler, comprising two specialist fast bowlers (Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando) and two spinners (Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana), with Janith Liyanage as the fifth bowler.
Players to Watch
| Role | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Top Batter | Babar Azam | Pathum Nissanka |
| Emerging Talent | Saim Ayub | Kamil Mishara |
| All-rounder | Salman Ali Agha (scored 105* in 1st ODI) | Wanindu Hasaranga (scored 59 in 1st ODI) |
| Pace Bowler | Haris Rauf (4 wickets in 1st ODI) | Dushmantha Chameera |
| Spin Bowler | Mohammad Nawaz | Maheesh Theekshana |
| Captain | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Charith Asalanka |
Key Battles
- Haris Rauf vs Sri Lankan Top Order: Rauf’s fiery spell in the first ODI ended with figures of 4 for 61, breaking Sri Lanka’s opening partnership and triggering a collapse.
- Wanindu Hasaranga vs Pakistan’s Middle Order: The all-rounder showed his batting depth in the first match and remains Sri Lanka’s key player.
- Fakhar Zaman & Saim Ayub: Pakistan’s opening pair has scored runs individually but hasn’t been able to perform as a partnership, which the team would like to rectify.
What to Expect
Pakistan are clear favourites heading into the second ODI, with momentum on their side after defending their total with disciplined bowling in the first game. The hosts will look to seal the series at home with their strong pace attack.
Sri Lanka’s middle order underperformed in the first match, losing too many wickets in the second powerplay, but the opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara provided a solid start that they’ll want to build on.
If Pakistan bats first, expect a total around 290-300 runs, which they can defend with their outstanding bowling attack. If Sri Lanka bats first, they might score around 280, but Pakistan will likely chase it down.
The toss could be crucial, as nearly 80% of matches at Rawalpindi have been won by teams bowling first, with dew playing a factor in the second innings.
Match Prediction
Pakistan are favourites to win and clinch the series 2-0, given their home advantage, strong bowling lineup, and momentum from the first ODI. However, Sri Lanka showed they can compete and will be desperate to level the series.
Where to Watch:
The match will be live-streamed on SonyLIV and FanCode in India, and on the Sports TV YouTube channel globally. PTV Sports will broadcast in Pakistan.