PAK vs SL, Match Prediction, Preview, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

PAK vs SL Match Preview – The action intensifies in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 as the hosts, Pakistan, take on Sri Lanka in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium. Scheduled for Thursday evening, this match is critical for Sri Lanka, who suffered a shocking loss to Zimbabwe in their series opener, while Pakistan will be looking to maintain their perfect start and secure a spot in the final.

Pakistan, led by the unconventional choice of Agha Salman for this series, has shown grit, successfully chasing a target against Zimbabwe in their first match. Their formidable pace attack and deep batting talent make them strong contenders on home turf. Sri Lanka, however, boasts a world-class spin attack and explosive top-order players like Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, and will rely on them to bounce back quickly and keep their tournament hopes alive.

PAK vs SL Match Details

PAK vs SL Head-to-Head (T20 Internationals)

Historically, Pakistan holds the advantage over Sri Lanka. However, recent meetings suggest a shift in the power dynamic, with the Islanders proving tricky opponents, especially in crunch tournament moments.

PAK vs SL Pitch Report: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

The pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium is famous for being a batting paradise in the T20 format.

• Batting Friendly: The surface offers minimal lateral movement and the ball comes onto the bat well, encouraging high scores. An average first-innings total in T20Is at this venue hovers between 160 and 170.

• Spin: The surface is generally flat, but the slower bowlers, particularly the wrist-spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga and Abrar Ahmed, may get some turn as the match progresses.

• Dew Factor: Given the late November evening slot, heavy dew is expected to set in during the second innings. This makes gripping the ball difficult for the bowlers and often makes the chasing team favorite. Winning the toss and bowling first is likely to be the preferred strategy.

PAK vs SL Weather Report

The weather forecast for Lahore on Thursday evening is clear and cool, providing ideal conditions for cricket.

• Temperature: Temperatures will be cool, dropping from approximately 20°C at the start to 15°C towards the end.

• Rain: There is a 0% chance of rain interruption, ensuring a full 40-over contest. The cool temperature will likely enhance the dew effect in the late stages of the match.

PAK vs SL Probable Playing11

Pakistan (PAK): Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan-Shinwari, Agha Salman (C), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Muhammad Wasim.

Sri Lanka (SL): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando.

PAK vs SL Match Prediction

This contest presents a classic battle: Pakistan’s formidable pace attack (Shaheen, Naseem) versus Sri Lanka’s world-class spin duo (Hasaranga, Theekshana – assuming he is fit and rotated in for an all-rounder).

• Pakistan’s Edge: Playing at home, they have a deep batting lineup with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman providing the foundation and firepower. Their victory over Zimbabwe gives them positive momentum.

• Sri Lanka’s Hope: The strength of the Sri Lankan team lies in their spinners, who can control the middle overs. However, their batting order needs to stand up, especially after the disastrous loss in their previous match. If Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana (if he plays) can exploit the slight turn and keep the run rate in check, Sri Lanka can compete.

Given Pakistan’s historical T20 dominance and the recent result putting Sri Lanka under immense pressure, the hosts are the clear favorites, particularly if they bowl first and utilize the advantage of dew while chasing.

Prediction: Pakistan to win.