PAK vs SL Match Preview – The excitement of international T20 cricket returns to the heart of Pakistan as the Gaddafi Stadium braces itself for a high-voltage clash in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025. The hosts, Pakistan, will lock horns with Asian rivals Sri Lanka on Saturday, November 22nd.
With the T20 landscape constantly evolving, this Tri-series offers a vital platform for both teams to fine-tune their combinations. Pakistan, led by Salman Agha for this series, will look to maximize their home advantage and the depth of their squad. The inclusion of explosive talents alongside seasoned campaigners like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi makes them a formidable unit.
Sri Lanka, under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka, enters the contest with a squad blending youth and experience. With match-winners like Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka, the Islanders are well-equipped to challenge the hosts. The battle between Sri Lanka’s spin wizardry and Pakistan’s pace battery promises to be the highlight of the evening.
PAK vs SL Match Details
| Match | Pakistan (PAK) vs Sri Lanka (SL), Tri-Series T20I |
| Series | Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Date & Time | Saturday, November 22, 2025, 06:30 PM |
| Live Telecast | FanCode |
PAK vs SL Pitch Report: Gaddafi Stadium
The surface at the Gaddafi Stadium is historically known as a batter’s paradise. The pitch is generally flat and offers true bounce, allowing strokes to be played on the up. High scores are a norm here, and anything below 170 is considered below par.
Key Factor: Since the match is in late November, the dew factor will play a massive role in the second innings. The ball is expected to get wet, making it difficult for bowlers (especially spinners) to grip.
Strategy: The captain winning the toss is overwhelmingly likely to choose to bowl first to avoid bowling with a wet ball in the defense and to capitalize on better batting conditions during the chase.
PAK vs SL Weather Report
The weather in Lahore for Saturday evening is expected to be cool and hazy. November marks the onset of winter in Punjab, so temperatures will drop significantly after sunset.
Temperature: Expected to range between 18°C to 15°C during match hours.
Conditions: Clear skies with potential haze/smog. No rain is predicted.
Humidity: High (contributing to the dew).
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head (T20Is)
The rivalry between these two Asian giants has always been close. While Pakistan holds the overall edge in head-to-head numbers, Sri Lanka has frequently stunned them in major tournaments (including Asia Cup finals). In Lahore, Pakistan generally remains the more dominant side due to familiarity with conditions.
PAK vs SL Probable Playing11
Pakistan (PAK): With Salman Agha leading and Usman Khan taking the gloves, Pakistan might shuffle their batting order to accommodate the power hitters.
Saim Ayub
Sahibzada Farhan / Babar Azam
Babar Azam / Fakhar Zaman
Salman Agha (c)
Usman Khan (wk)
Abdul Samad / Mohammad Nawaz
Faheem Ashraf
Shaheen Afridi
Naseem Shah
Abrar Ahmed
Mohammad Wasim Jr
Sri Lanka (SL): Sri Lanka has a settled core. The return of key fast bowlers alongside their spin duo makes them dangerous.
Pathum Nissanka
Kusal Mendis (wk)
Kusal Perera
Kamindu Mendis
Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Dasun Shanaka (c)
Wanindu Hasaranga
Maheesh Theekshana
Dushmantha Chameera
Nuwan Thushara
Dushan Hemantha / Eshan Malinga
PAK vs SL Squads
Pakistan Squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Usman Tariq, Abdul Samad.
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (w), Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Pavan Rathnayake, Dushan Hemantha.
PAK vs SL Match Prediction
This encounter is expected to be a high-scoring thriller. Pakistan’s strength lies in their top-order batting and world-class pace attack (Shaheen and Naseem). However, their middle order can sometimes be brittle against high-quality spin.
Sri Lanka possesses the spin duo of Hasaranga and Theekshana, who can strangle runs in the middle overs. However, the heavy dew expected in Lahore will likely neutralize the spinners’ effectiveness in the second innings.
Verdict: The toss will be heavily influential. However, considering the home conditions and the “dew-proofing” power of their pace attack, Pakistan starts as the favorites to win.
Prediction: Pakistan to win (Chasing preferred).
