Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Performance: ODI Series 2025 Match Analysis, Key Player Highlights & FAQs
Introduction
Cricket fans are excited as the historic ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka resumes, promising strong competition, electrifying performances, and unforgettable memories. The 2025 series opener in Rawalpindi sets the stage for a clash in which Sri Lanka hopes to end a run of recent setbacks, while Pakistan seeks to reestablish its dominance with a well-balanced squad. With celebrity hitters and world-class bowlers, both teams come into the game wanting to set the tone for the entire series.
As excitement builds, read on to learn about significant player performances, expert match analysis, and answers to common questions concerning Pakistan against Sri Lanka.
Recent Match Overview
In the first ODI, Sri Lanka chose to field first, putting early pressure on Pakistan’s top order. Pakistan’s speed trio — Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah — got off to a solid start, hoping to take advantage of Rawalpindi’s bouncy pitch, while the batting lineup was deep, with Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan.
Both teams arrived in good condition, with Sri Lanka led by a powerful spin combination of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, and Pakistan combining fresh potential with experienced finishers Salman Agha and Faheem Ashraf.
Squad Lists & Team News
Pakistan Playing XI:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
- Salman Agha
- Hussain Talat
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Afridi (C)
- Haris Rauf
- Naseem Shah
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis (WK)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Charith Asalanka (C)
- Janith Liyanage
- Kamindu Mendis
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Asitha Fernando
Pakistan’s Performance Highlights
- Pakistan began the innings aggressively, relying on Fakhar Zaman’s ability to accelerate and dominate the crease. Saim Ayub’s technical prowess provided an explosive start, allowing Babar Azam and Rizwan to anchor the middle overs with consistency and finesse.
• Babar Azam is the top run-scorer in Pakistan’s ODIs against Sri Lanka, with 535 runs in 11 matches, an average of 53.50, and a best score of 115.
• Mohammad Rizwan is a reliable wicket-keeper batsman with an average of 176.5 and an unbeaten 131 against Sri Lanka. • Fakhar Zaman adds explosive power at the top with a strike rate near 88 and several rapid starts against Sri Lanka. • Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah form a pace trio capable of dismantling batting lineups early and applying pressure in the powerplay with their skill and speed.
Sri Lanka’s Performance Highlights
Sri Lanka’s campaign is built on a combination of solid batting and clever spin, and the team thrives in pressure circumstances due to its all-round quality.
• Pathum Nissanka is a dependable run-scorer who provides opening stability and converts starts into meaningful innings.
• Skipper Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis lead the middle order, typically speeding in the closing overs.
• Wanindu Hasaranga, a spinner and adaptable lower-order hitter, is a game-changer in tight encounters. • Maheesh Theekshana’s spin adds control to the bowling, particularly in Rawalpindi’s demanding conditions.
Head-to-Head Record
| Statistic | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
| ODI Wins | 93 | 59 |
| Most Recent Victory | Pakistan | – |
| Win Percentage | 60%+ | ~40% |
Pakistan holds a clear historical edge but Sri Lanka’s improving spin attack and middle-order stability keeps every contest close.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who are the top performers in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka matches?
Pakistan’s leading run-scorer is Babar Azam, but Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka has consistently improved.
2. Which team has a better ODI record?
Pakistan has 93 wins to Sri Lanka’s 59 in ODIs, making it one of cricket’s most intense rivals.Pakistan’s leading run-scorer is Babar Azam, but Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka has consistently improved.
3. What are expert predictions for this ODI series?
Bookmakers and analysts believe Sri Lanka has a slight advantage on spin-friendly grounds, but Pakistan’s pace resources and top-order batting make the series intriguing.
4. Which players could be match-winners in the latest encounter?
Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan, pace), Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan, opener), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka, all-rounder), and Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka, opener) are regarded as possible match-winners based on recent form.
5. How did the teams perform in their last 5 matches?
Pakistan has a mixed record of wins and losses, whilst Sri Lanka has had a more successful recent run, particularly against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Key Players to Watch
Pakistani players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi hope to continue their world-class form. Hasaranga’s wickets and Nissanka’s runs might be game changers in a close match. As teams complete their innings, real-time metrics continue to be updated.
Pitch & Venue ReportFinal Thoughts
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium supports both batsmen and pacers, and has a history of high-scoring chases, particularly when teams bowl under lights. Spinners may find it more difficult as dew sets in, influencing both team selection and tactical tactics.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan against Sri Lanka ODI series offers exciting cricket, big individual achievements, and tactical confrontations between powerful hitters and cunning spinners. As crucial questions are answered and elite performances come up, fans can expect another chapter in this long-running cricket rivalry.
