Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI

As the Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2025 heads into its 2nd ODI clash at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the battle between Pakistan and Sri Lanka promises intense competition. Pakistan enters this match buoyed by a strong home advantage and solid recent form, winning 3 of their last 5 ODIs with notable contributions from their top order. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has been inconsistent away from home but showed resilience in the opening ODI, highlighted by spirited performances from their middle order and bowling attack. The head-to-head record between these two sides in ODIs is slightly tilted in Pakistan's favor, especially at home venues. Pakistan’s strategy is likely to revolve around leveraging early wickets through their pace attack—featuring experienced bowlers adept in swing and reverse swing on Rawalpindi’s pitch. Batting-wise, Pakistan’s top-order batsmen will aim to set or chase a competitive total with aggressive stroke play tailored to the surface’s behavior. Sri Lanka will look to stabilize their batting innings with key players anchoring the innings and exploiting moments against Pakistan’s bowlers. Their bowlers will focus on controlling the game during middle overs by bowling disciplined lines and lengths to restrict scoring and create pressure. Fielding agility and adaptability to pitch conditions could prove decisive, and the toss might influence tactical decisions, with dew possibly playing a role in later stages of the game.

Pakistan: 58%, Sri Lanka: 42%

Considering the Rawalpindi pitch, which traditionally offers a balanced contest between bat and ball with some assistance to seamers early on, both teams can expect competitive first innings totals. If Pakistan bats first, their aggressive top order could push for 280-300 runs, leveraging their familiarity with the home conditions. Conversely, if Sri Lanka bats first, they might post around 260-280, given their slightly cautious approach away from home but with potential to accelerate in the death overs. Either side will have to carefully balance attack and consolidation, as the pitch tends to slow down slightly later, making runs in the latter stages crucial.

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch typically offers good bounce and some lateral movement early on, benefiting seam bowlers. The ground has an average first-innings ODI score of around 280 runs. Historically, chasing teams have had a 52% success rate here, indicating a fair contest regardless of batting order. Weather forecast for November 14, 2025, predicts mild conditions with temperatures around 24°C and low chances of rain, ideal for an uninterrupted match. Best Bowler at Rawalpindi (between the two teams): Shaheen Afridi, known for his lethal swing and wicket-taking abilities, with career-best figures of 5/24 here. Best Batsman: Babar Azam, who has scored multiple fifties at this venue with an average above 50. Record performance: Pakistan’s highest ODI total at Rawalpindi against Sri Lanka is 315/6, recorded in 2019 by a strong batting lineup.

Matches Played	Pakistan Wins	Sri Lanka Wins	No Result
45	26	17	2

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches Results
Pakistan	W, L, W, W, L
Sri Lanka	L, W, L, W, L

Pakistan - Babar Azam: Leading run-scorer recently with consistent fifties, Babar anchors Pakistan's innings with finesse and controlled aggression.

Pakistan - Shaheen Afridi: His ability to swing the ball early makes him a constant threat; recently picked up crucial early wickets.

Pakistan - Fakhar Zaman: Known for quick starts, he’s shown good form at Rawalpindi, providing brisk starts to Pakistan's innings.

Sri Lanka - Dasun Shanaka: The captain led from the front with valuable middle-order runs and tactical bowling changes in the first ODI.

Sri Lanka - Wanindu Hasaranga: An all-rounder who bowls effective leg-spin and contributes vital runs; key in controlling the middle overs.

Sri Lanka - Pathum Nissanka: Emerging opener with steady recent performances, capable of anchoring innings under pressure.