PAK vs SL Preview | Pakistan look to clinch series in Rawalpindi as Sri Lanka aim to level proceedings

After an evenly fought opener, both sides will look to fine-tune their balance ahead of the second ODI. Pakistan’s middle order – anchored by Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha – demonstrated its growing maturity, while Shaheen Afridi led the attack with trademark aggression. Captain Babar Azam, meanwhile, remains in search of another defining innings on home soil after a string of modest ODI scores.

For Sri Lanka, there were several positives despite the loss. Charith Asalanka’s leadership continues to evolve, and the form of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka has been a steadying factor at the top. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana combined for tight spells in the middle overs, but a lack of penetration with the new ball cost them in the previous game.

The Rawalpindi surface has often favored fluent stroke play once the initial moisture fades, meaning both sides could look to field first if the dew factor is expected later in the evening. A win here would seal the series for Pakistan, while Sri Lanka will be desperate to force a decider.

Form Guide

Pakistan enter this fixture with renewed confidence, having beaten South Africa twice earlier this month before narrowly overcoming Sri Lanka in the series opener. Their batting depth and pace trio – Afridi, Naseem, and Rauf – have been crucial in turning tight games in their favor.

Sri Lanka’s recent run has been encouraging despite inconsistencies. Series victories against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe earlier in the year reaffirmed their ODI credentials, though the narrow defeats to Pakistan and Bangladesh exposed issues in finishing close games. With three wins in their last five matches, they remain a dangerous, improving unit under Asalanka’s captaincy.

Pakistan: L W L W W

Sri Lanka: L W W W L

PAK vs SL Head-to-Head

Historically, Pakistan have dominated this rivalry, winning 94 of their 158 ODIs against Sri Lanka, who have claimed 59. Yet, recent meetings have been much closer – the teams have split results evenly across the past two years. Pakistan’s home advantage in Rawalpindi gives them a slight edge, but Sri Lanka’s spinners have often found success against Pakistani line-ups susceptible to spin in the middle overs.

Pakistan 94-59 Sri Lanka

Pitch and Weather

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium offers a true batting wicket early on, with an average first-innings score hovering around 240-250. The pitch tends to flatten out under lights, making chasing the preferred option for most captains. Fast bowlers may find some swing early with the new ball, while spinners come into play as the surface wears slightly.

The weather forecast for match day is promising – clear skies, temperatures around 24 °C, and gentle breezes throughout the afternoon. With no threat of rain, conditions are expected to be ideal for a full 100-over contest. Captains winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first, anticipating improved batting conditions under lights.

Team News

Pakistan are expected to field an unchanged XI after their hard-fought win. Babar Azam continues to lead a balanced unit where experience meets youth. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub remain the likely openers, while Rizwan will handle wicketkeeping duties. The pace attack – spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi – remains Pakistan’s biggest strength.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, might consider a minor reshuffle to strengthen their batting depth. Kusal Mendis has been in good touch but will need greater support from the lower order. Hasaranga’s all-round impact remains central to their hopes, while Dushmantha Chameera’s new-ball burst could set the tone early.

Pakistan (Probable XI): Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf

Sri Lanka (Probable XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera

Broadcasting Platforms

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI series will be live-streamed on Sports Tv's YouTube channel, as well as through PTV Sports in Pakistan and SLRC Channel Eye in Sri Lanka. Global fans can follow live updates and commentary on ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz.

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