Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: Match Preview & Updates

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Image ALT Text: “PAK vs SL 1st ODI 2025 – key players to watch including Babar Azam, Rizwan, Hasaranga, and Nissanka.”

The excitement is building as Pakistan and Sri Lanka gear up for the 1st ODI of the 2025 series, set to take place at the historic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both sides are entering this contest with renewed energy, promising an action-packed start to the much-anticipated ODI series. In this blog, we’ll break down the match preview, pitch conditions, probable playing XI, head-to-head stats, and key players to watch — everything you need to stay updated.

Series Overview

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka rivalry has always produced thrilling cricket moments, and this ODI series is no different. Pakistan comes in with solid momentum from recent matches, while Sri Lanka aims to rebuild and challenge strongly with a young but talented squad. The 1st ODI will set the tone for the rest of the series, making today’s fixture extremely important for both teams.

Match Details

  • Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI

  • Date: 11 November 2025

  • Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan

  • Start Time: 2:30 PM PKT (approx.)

The Rawalpindi crowd is known for its passion, and with home support roaring behind Pakistan, the energy inside the stadium is expected to be electric.

Pitch Report — Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Rawalpindi has always been a ground that supports batting-friendly conditions, especially during the first half of the match. The pitch offers:

  • Good bounce

  • Ball coming nicely onto the bat

  • Early swing for fast bowlers

  • Spin support later in the game

The average first-innings score on this wicket hovers around 240–250 runs, which indicates that anything above 270 may be competitive. The team winning the toss is likely to field first, as chasing under lights is usually easier at this venue.

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast suggests clear skies, which means we can expect a full 50-over contest without any interruptions. Light breeze in the evening will help the pacers, especially in the second innings.

Head-to-Head Record (ODI)

The rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in ODIs has been long and competitive.

  • Total Matches: 157

  • Pakistan Wins: 93

  • Sri Lanka Wins: 59

Pakistan holds a clear advantage historically, but Sri Lanka’s unpredictability makes them a tough side to ignore.

Probable Playing XI

Pakistan Probable XI

  • Saim Ayub

  • Fakhar Zaman

  • Babar Azam

  • Mohammad Rizwan (wk)

  • Salman Ali Agha

  • Hussain Talat

  • Mohammad Nawaz

  • Faheem Ashraf

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi (c)

  • Haris Rauf

  • Abrar Ahmed

Pakistan will depend heavily on the top order led by Babar Azam, while the pace attack spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi will aim to break through early.

Sri Lanka Probable XI

  • Pathum Nissanka

  • Kusal Mendis (wk)

  • Sadeera Samarawickrama

  • Charith Asalanka (c)

  • Janith Liyanage

  • Kamindu Mendis

  • Wanindu Hasaranga

  • Maheesh Theekshana

  • Dushmantha Chameera

  • Asitha Fernando

Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their spin attack, with Hasaranga and Theekshana ready to test Pakistan’s middle order.

Key Players to Watch

✅ Pakistan

Babar Azam – The backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate later will be crucial.
Shaheen Afridi – The strike bowler Pakistan will rely on for early breakthroughs and reverse swing at the death.
Mohammad Rizwan – A reliable finisher and an excellent player of spin, ideal for this matchup.

✅ Sri Lanka

Wanindu Hasaranga – A match-winner with the ball and capable of changing the game within a few overs.
Pathum Nissanka – One of Sri Lanka’s most consistent top-order batters.
Charith Asalanka – The captain and middle-order stabilizer who can shift gears when needed.

Match Prediction

With home advantage, stronger recent form, and a balanced lineup, Pakistan enters this match as the favourites.

However, Sri Lanka’s spin duo and young exciting batsmen can turn the tables if Pakistan struggles in the middle overs. A close contest is expected, but Pakistan holds a slight edge due to the pitch and crowd support.

Final Thoughts

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI promises competitive cricket, strategic battles, and thrilling moments. With both teams eyeing a strong start, fans are in for an engaging contest. Stay tuned for live updates, analysis, and post-match review!

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