PAK vs SL, 1st ODI, Match Preview, Prediction, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

PAK vs SL 1st ODI Match Preview – Pakistan, brimming with confidence after a recent series victory against South Africa, will host a formidable Sri Lankan side in the first of a three-match ODI series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This encounter, set for Tuesday, November 11, marks the beginning of Sri Lanka’s 2025 tour of Pakistan and promises a high-octane clash between two of Asia’s cricketing giants.

The hosts, led by pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi, are in “excellent form,” having just clinched a 2-1 series win over the Proteas. They will be keen to leverage their home advantage and the in-form status of players like Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka, however, arrives with a stellar record of their own in 2025. Ranked 4th in the ICC ODI rankings (one spot above Pakistan), the Lions, under Charith Asalanka’s captaincy, have won their last three ODI series and will be looking to challenge Pakistan’s dominance on their own turf. The battle will be one of Pakistan’s fiery pace attack against Sri Lanka’s potent spin arsenal on a pitch that promises runs.

PAK vs SL 1st ODI Match Details

PAK vs SL 1st ODI Head-to-Head Record (ODI)

Historically, Pakistan has held a clear dominance over Sri Lanka in the 50-over format. In 157 encounters, Pakistan has emerged victorious 93 times, while Sri Lanka has won 59. This lopsided record will be a psychological boost for the home side, who also won the last bilateral ODI series between the two in Pakistan (2-0 in 2019).

PAK vs SL 1st ODI Pitch Report: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

The surface at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is renowned as a “decent surface for batting” and has a history of producing run-fests. We can expect good value for shots, and conditions generally improve for batters as the match progresses.

• Pace & Spin: The new ball might offer some swing for the fast bowlers in the initial overs. However, as the ball gets older, spinners are “expected to play a key role” and will find more grip and turn.

• Toss: Dew is “likely to play a part” in the second innings, making it difficult for the bowling side to grip the ball. Therefore, the captain who wins the toss will almost certainly opt to bowl first and chase the target under the lights.

• Average Score: While the historical average first-innings score is 242, recent form suggests a par score would be in the 260-280 range.

PAK vs SL 1st ODI Weather Report

The weather forecast for Rawalpindi is perfect for a full day of cricket.

• Conditions: Sunny and clear skies.

• Temperature: A pleasant high of around 24°C.

• Rain: There is a 0% chance of rain,” so no interruptions are expected.

• Humidity: Expected to be around 37%.

PAK vs SL 1st ODI Probable Playing11

Pakistan (PAK): Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka (SL): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Pramod Madushan.

PAK vs SL 1st ODI Squads

Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi(c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah Khan.

Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Udara, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamil Mishara, Jeffrey Vandersay

PAK vs SL 1st ODI Match Prediction

This promises to be a cracker of a contest, but Pakistan holds the edge. Their recent series win against a strong South African side, combined with their overwhelming head-to-head record and the familiar home conditions in Rawalpindi, makes them the favorites.

While Sri Lanka’s spin trio of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay will pose a significant threat, Pakistan’s batting lineup, featuring the experience of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan and the exciting form of Saim Ayub, should have enough firepower. The toss will be crucial, as the team chasing will have a distinct advantage due to the dew factor.

Prediction: Pakistan to win the 1st ODI.