Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in Match 3 of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, November 22, with action beginning at 6:30 pm (IST). The clash holds importance for both sides as Pakistan look to extend their dominance, while Sri Lanka search for their first win of the tour.
Match Details
• Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match 3, Pakistan T20I Tri-Series
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
• Start Time: 6:30 pm (IST) / 6:00 pm (Local)
• Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
• Live Streaming: SonyLIV (India), ARY ZAP & Tamasha (Pakistan), Dialog ViU (Sri Lanka), Willow (USA), Kayo Sports (Australia), SkyGO (UK)
Teams Overview
Pakistan
Pakistan enter the contest in excellent form, having whitewashed Sri Lanka in the ODI series and started the tri-series with a comfortable win over Zimbabwe. Salman Ali Agha’s side has found good balance with strong openers, an experienced middle order, and a bowling attack capable of destroying teams in the powerplay and at the death. Their five-wicket win over Zimbabwe highlighted their calmness in chases, with Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan guiding them home.
Key areas of strength for Pakistan include their pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, and their improving batting depth. With confidence soaring, the home team will aim to seal their second win of the tri-series and take a firm grip on the points table.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are under pressure after a difficult ODI series and a disappointing start to the tri-series, where they were bowled out for 95 against Zimbabwe. Dasun Shanaka’s side has flair and power, but inconsistency continues to trouble them. Their top order holds talent with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, while Hasaranga’s presence boosts both spin and lower-order hitting. However, the visitors must step up collectively to avoid another early collapse.
Sri Lanka will look to regroup, tighten their batting, and bring more discipline with the ball against a confident Pakistan unit.
Head-to-Head in T20Is
Matches: 24
Pakistan Wins: 14
Sri Lanka Wins: 10
First Meeting: 17 September 2007
Last Meeting: 23 September 2025
Pakistan hold the edge historically, and their recent run at home strengthens their position heading into this clash.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan (Captain: Salman Ali Agha)
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 (Captain: Dasun Shanaka)
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara
Pitch Report – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Rawalpindi offers a balanced pitch that supports both batters and bowlers. Fast bowlers enjoy early movement under lights, while spinners get grip as the match progresses. The average first-innings total in this tri-series so far is around 155. Chasing has proven manageable, but teams must restrict opponents in the powerplay to avoid defending a big score. Winning the toss and bowling first remains the ideal choice.
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan – Fakhar Zaman
His composed 44 against Zimbabwe showcased his adaptability in the middle order. Against Sri Lanka’s spinners, his power hitting could be decisive.
Pakistan – Shaheen Afridi
With early swing and yorkers at the death, he remains Pakistan’s biggest threat, especially against Sri Lanka’s unsettled top order.
Sri Lanka – Wanindu Hasaranga
The leg-spinner took three wickets in the last match and holds the key to slowing Pakistan’s scoring rate in the middle overs.
Sri Lanka – Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka’s senior batter must anchor the innings to avoid repeats of recent collapses.
Probable Match Scenarios
• If Pakistan bowl first, an early burst from Shaheen and Faheem could put Sri Lanka in trouble again.
• Sri Lanka need a powerplay of 45+ without losing more than one wicket to stay competitive.
• If Pakistan chase anything under 165, their batting lineup makes them favorites.
• Sri Lanka’s best chance lies in Hasaranga and Theekshana creating pressure through the middle overs.
Match Prediction
Based on current form, squad stability, and home conditions, Pakistan enter as strong favorites. Sri Lanka can challenge if their batting clicks, but Pakistan’s balance gives them a clear edge.
Prediction: Pakistan to win the match.