Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025: Match 3, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between PAK vs SL?

Pakistan Set to Face Sri Lanka in Third Match of Tri-Series

Pakistan (PAK) will take on a struggling Sri Lanka (SL) in the third match of the tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Saturday, November 22. After dominating Sri Lanka in the ODI series and defeating Zimbabwe in the tri-series opener, Pakistan is riding high on confidence.

Pakistan’s Performance So Far

In their last match against Zimbabwe, Pakistan emerged victorious by five wickets after successfully chasing down a 148-run target in just 19 overs. Led by Salman Ali Agha, the Men in Green will be looking to continue their winning streak and maintain their dominance in the series.

Sri Lanka’s Struggles

In contrast, Sri Lanka had a disappointing start to their campaign in the tri-series, suffering a defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe. Dasun Shanaka’s side was bowled out for a mere 95 runs while chasing a target of 163. The Sri Lankan team will be eager to bounce back strongly and secure their first victory of the tour against Pakistan.

Match Details and Pitch Report

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch is expected to offer a balanced playing field for both batsmen and bowlers. With an average first-innings total of around 155 in the previous matches, teams winning the toss may opt to bowl first to take advantage of the conditions. However, restricting the opposition batsmen in the powerplay will be crucial to avoid chasing a challenging total.

Predicted Playing XIs

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (C), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara.

Key Players to Watch

Best Batter Prediction: Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman showcased his skill in the previous match with a composed knock of 44 runs. As a key player in the middle order, Zaman will be vital for Pakistan’s success against Sri Lanka’s spin attack.

Best Bowler Prediction: Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi’s bowling prowess will be crucial for Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming match. With his ability to pick up wickets consistently, Afridi will play a significant role in restricting Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

Match Prediction

Considering Pakistan’s recent form and Sri Lanka’s struggles, the odds are in favor of Pakistan to secure another victory in the tri-series. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and Sri Lanka will be determined to turn the tables and register their first win of the tour.

Stay tuned for an action-packed match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium!

Current Form and Player Analysis

Pakistan has been in exceptional form, with their players showcasing brilliant performances across all departments. Babar Azam, the captain of the team, has been leading from the front with his consistent run-scoring abilities. His elegant stroke play and calm demeanor under pressure make him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack. Alongside him, Fakhar Zaman’s explosive batting style adds aggression to Pakistan’s top order, putting pressure on the opposition from the start.

On the bowling front, Shaheen Afridi has been a standout performer for Pakistan. His ability to swing the ball at pace and pick up crucial wickets at crucial junctures has been instrumental in Pakistan’s recent successes. Supported by the likes of Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz, Pakistan’s bowling attack looks well-rounded and capable of restricting Sri Lanka’s batters.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be banking on the experience of Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka to lead the team to victory. Perera’s aggressive batting style and Shanaka’s leadership qualities will be crucial in guiding Sri Lanka out of their current slump. The team will also rely heavily on the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana to exploit the conditions in Rawalpindi and trouble the Pakistani batsmen.

Historical Rivalry and Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a long-standing cricketing rivalry, with both teams having faced each other numerous times in various formats of the game. Pakistan holds a slight edge over Sri Lanka in head-to-head matchups, but cricket being a game of uncertainties, past records do not always dictate the outcome of a match.

Both teams have a rich history of producing talented cricketers who have left a lasting impact on the game. From legends like Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq for Pakistan to Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara for Sri Lanka, the cricketing rivalry between these two nations has produced some memorable moments on the field.

Importance of Tri-Series for World Rankings

The ongoing tri-series holds significant importance for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka in terms of their rankings in international cricket. A series win will not only boost their morale but also help them climb up the rankings ladder. With crucial ICC events coming up, every win in bilateral series like these contributes towards a team’s overall confidence and preparation for major tournaments.

For Sri Lanka, a strong performance in the tri-series will be a stepping stone towards rebuilding their reputation as a competitive cricketing nation. While Pakistan will aim to continue their winning momentum and solidify their position as a dominant force in limited-overs cricket.

Conclusion

As the stage is set for the third match of the tri-series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest between two talented teams. While Pakistan holds the upper hand based on current form and recent performances, Sri Lanka’s fighting spirit and determination cannot be underestimated.

With individual brilliance, strategic captaincy, and a touch of unpredictability that cricket is known for, the match promises to be a spectacle for fans and enthusiasts alike. So, gear up for an exciting clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as Pakistan and Sri Lanka battle it out for supremacy in the tri-series.