Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Prediction & Match Preview – T20I Tri-Series Final
Match summary
Our preview of the Pakistan v Sri Lanka final in Rawalpindi: how Sri Lanka reached it, likely XIs, pitch and weather notes, and expected scores.
Match details
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Final |
|---|---|
| Series | Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 |
| Date | 29 Nov 2025 |
| Start time | 1:00 pm GMT / 6:00 pm local |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Pakistan |
| Toss pick | Sri Lanka |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in the final of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series at Rawalpindi, a rematch of the game that decided who would join the hosts in the showpiece. Sri Lanka won that contest by six runs in a must-win situation, holding their nerve to finish second in the standings.
Kamil Mishara was the star of that win, scoring 76 off 48 balls, and Kusal Mendis added a steady 40 as Sri Lanka reached 184/5. Defending the total, Dushmantha Chameera removed Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman in a new-ball burst. Captain Salman Agha made a vital half-century to keep Pakistan in the chase, but with 10 needed off the last over, Chameera conceded only three runs and took another wicket.
For the final, Pakistan will lean on Farhan, Saim Ayub and Babar at the top, with Agha, Usman Khan and Fakhar in the middle order, and Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf adding bowling depth. Sri Lanka will count on Pathum Nissanka and Mishara up front, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga for balance, and Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Eshan Malinga to hunt wickets.
Rawalpindi’s pitch is usually friendly to batters, with good bounce and true carry that encourage strokeplay and big totals. Seamers can get early movement with the new ball, particularly if there is cloud or moisture, but the surface flattens out as the innings goes on. Spinners may pick up some help once it slows slightly. Chasing has been a popular choice in limited-overs games here.
Calm, clear conditions are forecast for the evening, with temperatures of 21–24°C. Rain is very unlikely, as late November is typically dry in Rawalpindi, and a light breeze should not affect play.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 155–175 | – |
| Second innings | 150–165 | – |
Pakistan
Pakistan have home conditions, a strong pace attack and a powerful middle order, although Sri Lanka beat them narrowly in the previous meeting.
Toss pick: Sri Lanka
FAQ
How did Sri Lanka reach the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series final?
They beat Pakistan by six runs in a must-win game at Rawalpindi, finishing second in the standings.
Who starred in Sri Lanka’s win over Pakistan?
Kamil Mishara scored 76 off 48 balls, and Dushmantha Chameera took key wickets, including Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, then closed out the final over.
Which team is favoured in the final?
Our preview leans towards Pakistan, with Sri Lanka expected to win the toss.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Pakistan
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Salman Aghac
- Usman Khanwk
- Fakhar Zaman
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Salman Mirza
- Abrar Ahmed
Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendiswk
- Kusal Perera
- Janith Liyanage
- Dasun Shanakac
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Eshan Malinga
Head-to-head
Earlier meetings of Pakistan and Sri Lanka that we covered.