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Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Prediction & Match Preview – T20I Tri-Series

Our verdict

Pakistan

Pakistan’s powerful top order suits the Rawalpindi surface, and our preview picks them, with Sri Lanka’s depth keeping them in the contest if they avoid early collapses.

Toss pick: Pakistan

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the sixth match of the 2025 Pakistan T20I Tri-Series, with Rawalpindi hosting on Thursday evening. The ground tends to reward positive batting, so both sides should be looking to make full use of the powerplay.

Pakistan’s probable batting order features Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, with Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz adding lower-order options. Shaheen Afridi leads a pace attack supported by Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed offers spin. Their top order is capable of rapid scoring, which is why our preview leans towards the hosts.

Sri Lanka counter with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, plus Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis in the middle order. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana supply spin, while Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga share the new ball. Their depth keeps them competitive if early wickets are avoided.

The opening three or four overs and the death overs are likely to decide the result, with spinners and medium-pacers aiming to control the middle phase between overs six and fifteen.

Probable XIs

Pakistan

  1. Sahibzada Farhan
  2. Babar Azam
  3. Saim Ayub
  4. Salman Agha
  5. Usman Khan (wk)
  6. Fakhar Zaman
  7. Faheem Ashraf
  8. Shaheen Afridi
  9. Mohammad Nawaz
  10. Salman Mirza
  11. Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka

  1. Pathum Nissanka
  2. Kusal Mendis (wk)
  3. Kusal Perera
  4. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
  5. Dasun Shanaka (c)
  6. Kamindu Mendis
  7. Dushmantha Chameera
  8. Wanindu Hasaranga
  9. Nuwan Thushara
  10. Maheesh Theekshana
  11. Eshan Malinga

Pitch report

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium generally favours batters, with good bounce and true carry, and limited-overs games there have often been high-scoring with chases common. Seamers may find some early movement, especially under cloud, before the surface flattens out. Spinners can come into play as it slows slightly, and teams that build partnerships tend to prosper.

Weather

By 6:00 pm local time on 27 November, Rawalpindi should be mild and clear with temperatures falling to around 16°C, light haze early on and light winds.

Frequently asked questions

Who is favoured in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka?

Our preview picks Pakistan, mainly because of their strong top order and home conditions that reward stroke-play.

What score is competitive at Rawalpindi in T20Is?

First-innings totals often land between 165 and 175, and a chasing side typically needs a run rate of about 8.5 to 9 an over.

When and where is the match?

It is the 6th match of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, 27 November, starting at 6:00 pm local time.

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