PAK vs SL Preview | Opening ODI at Rawalpindi promises early fireworks as Pakistan seek home advantage

Today at 12:06 PM

The first ODI of the three-match series kicks off at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 11, with Pakistan hosting Sri Lanka. Both teams bring contrasting forms into the encounter, with Pakistan aiming to assert dominance at home while Sri Lanka arrive looking to continue their upward momentum.

Shaheen Afridi and Pathum Nissanka pose with the trophy for the ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka beginning November 11 in Rawalpindi

Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi and Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka will lead their sides in a high-stakes clash at Rawalpindi, where conditions traditionally favor a mix of pace and spin. Pakistan’s batting unit has shown glimpses of consistency, but recent performances highlight vulnerability in the middle overs. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will be tasked with setting a strong platform, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan anchor the innings.

Sri Lanka ome into the series in solid form. Top-order batter Pathum Nissanka has carried momentum from the Bangladesh series, while the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana provides depth and control. Asalanka’s side aims to exploit Pakistan’s inconsistencies, particularly in the middle overs, and their all-round options offer flexibility in both batting and bowling departments.

Both teams have faced each other numerous times historically, adding context and intensity to this first ODI. While Pakistan rely on home advantage and pace attack potency, Sri Lanka’s recent touring form and spin strength present a genuine challenge.

Form Guide

During mixed results against the West Indies and a recent home series against South Africa, Pakistan have struggled with consistency. The batting order has alternated between solid starts and collapses, while the bowling unit led by Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed remains the team’s backbone.

Sri Lanka arrived on a positive run, following strong performances against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Nissanka, Samarawickrama, and Kamindu Mendis have shown reliability, while Hasaranga’s spin and Chameera’s pace offer a potent bowling combination.

Pakistan: L L W L W

Sri Lanka: W L W W W

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head in ODIs

Pakistan have dominated the historical record with 93 wins to Sri Lanka’s 59, though recent series have seen more competitive encounters. The subcontinental conditions typically favor spin after the initial overs, which could allow Sri Lanka to challenge Pakistan’s pace-reliant attack. Pakistan’s home advantage in Rawalpindi and familiarity with the wicket often prove decisive, but Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack can exploit any batting lapses.

Pakistan 93‑59 Sri Lanka

Pitch and Weather

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium provides a balanced pitch with true bounce, favoring both seam and spin. Early overs may assist the pacers, while batters can expect better stroke-making as the innings progresses. Totals in the range of 270-280 are achievable, and dew may become a factor in the evening.

Weather forecasts predict clear skies with temperatures between 18-22°C, ensuring minimal interruptions and ideal conditions for a full ODI. Winning the toss and opting to field may be tactically advantageous, given the historical success of chasing at this venue.

Team News

Shaheen Afridi has emphasised team responsibility, stating that early wickets and middle-order stability are crucial. Abrar Ahmed returns from a minor injury and adds spin variation, while Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat are included to provide impetus in the lower middle-order.

Sri Lanka have Wanindu Hasaranga to lead the spin attack, with Eshan Malinga included to strengthen the pace options. Asalanka’s side combines experience and youth, aiming to absorb early pressure and accelerate during the middle and late overs.

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

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

Broadcasting Platforms

The ODI series will be broadcast live on the Sports TV Youtube channel. Ball-by-ball updates and live commentary will also be provided on Cricbuzz and ESPN Cricinfo.