Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 3rd Match

The upcoming T20 encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is set to be a thrilling contest in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025. Pakistan enters this match on the back of a solid recent form, winning 3 of their last 5 T20 internationals, showcasing a balanced side with explosive batting and disciplined bowling. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has struggled a bit in this format recently, securing only 1 win in their last 5 matches but benefiting from some individual brilliance and a fighting spirit that has earned them close finishes. Historically, Pakistan holds a slight edge over Sri Lanka in T20s played in Pakistan, often utilizing the home conditions well with their spinners and pace attack. The batting line-ups on both sides are led by a mix of youth and experience. Pakistan's powerful top order including players like Babar Azam and Shadab Khan provides momentum, while their bowling strategy typically revolves around early breakthroughs by their pacers and steady spin in the middle overs. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, relies on the form of their young batting talents and experienced all-rounders to build or chase totals. Their bowling attack also features spinners who can exploit the Rawalpindi pitch. Tactically, Pakistan might look to leverage their familiarity with local conditions and home crowd advantage, whereas Sri Lanka will likely emphasize disciplined death bowling and aggressive power plays to unsettle the hosts. Considering recent performances, home conditions, and depth in both departments, Pakistan appears to have a marginal advantage going into this match.

AI suggested match winner Pakistan: 58%, Sri Lanka: 42%

If Pakistan bats first on this Rawalpindi pitch, an estimated total of around 170-180 runs is likely. The surface tends to offer initially good stroke play conditions with some assistance to pacers early on, allowing aggressive batsmen to capitalize. Pakistan’s strong top and middle order can utilize power plays effectively to set a competitive total. Conversely, if Sri Lanka bats first, a target of about 160-170 runs seems achievable given their ability to build innings patiently on this track. The middle overs could be challenging if Pakistan’s spinners find turn, thus Sri Lanka may aim for steady accumulation followed by an acceleration in the final overs. Both teams have firepower to surge beyond these predicted scores depending on execution and pitch behavior on the day.

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch historically supports a balanced contest between bat and ball in T20 cricket. The average first-innings score here hovers around 165-172 runs. Chasing teams have a slightly better record, winning about 54% matches, thanks to predictable conditions under lights. Weather forecasts suggest a clear evening with mild temperatures, ideal for cricket with little chance of rain interruptions. The pitch typically offers some early seam movement but tends to slow down in the second innings. Best performers for the two teams at Rawalpindi include: - Best Batsman: Babar Azam with a highest score of 92* against Sri Lanka here. - Best Bowler: Shaheen Afridi with 4/18 against Sri Lanka at this venue. - Ground Record: Highest team total between these teams was Pakistan’s 182/5, while Sri Lanka managed 175/7 in their best batting display here.

Matches Played	Pakistan Wins	Sri Lanka Wins
25	14	11

Team Recent Performance

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

Babar Azam: Pakistan’s premier batsman, in excellent touch recently with consecutive fifties in the series, anchoring innings effectively.

Shaheen Afridi: Leading pacer with lethal swing and pace, he has been consistent in picking key wickets early.

Shadab Khan: All-rounder contributing with crucial runs and wicket-taking spin in the middle overs.

Kusal Perera: Sri Lanka’s dynamic opener, known for explosive starts but needs to convert starts into big scores.

Dushmantha Chameera: Spearheading Sri Lanka’s pace attack, he has been effective in death overs, mixing yorkers and slower balls.

Wanindu Hasaranga: Key spinner and handy batsman, pivotal for Sri Lanka’s middle overs control and breakthroughs.