A three-match Odi series in between Pakistan and Sri Lanka It promises to be a thrilling contest between the two rival Asian cricket teams at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The series began on November 11, followed by additional matches scheduled for November 13 and November 15 at the same venue.
This Odi series is seen as an important platform to test the combinations of both sides ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. Pakistan, playing at home, has the advantage of familiar conditions, which traditionally favor a versatile bowling attack, and pitches that also offer solid batting surfaces.
PAK VS SL 2025, Odi Series: Preview
Pakistan boasts a formidable pace bowling line-up backed by a reliable spinner in the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr for example Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz, who can take advantage of slow pitch conditions. The order of notification is crafted by seasoned promoters Babar Azam, Fanhar Zaman and emerging talents like Saim Ayub, fine talent providing a blend of stability and aggression.
Sri Lanka are coming to Pakistan bringing an experienced squad like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asualanka. The team also relies on the wily spinners of majan hasaranga and maheesh theekshan, who are in a position to dominate the innings, especially as they move up the order.
RAWALPINDI CRICKET stadium pitch report
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known for its sporting surface that offers a fine balance between bat and ball. The pitch generally provides good bounce and carry, allowing the batsman to play his shots freely, with competitive totals of 240-242 being common. However, conditions in Rawalpindi can quickly favor fast bowlers, especially when the weather is cloudy or humid. The new ball tends to spin quickly through the opening, which is crucial for PACE attacks that get off the ground early.
As the match progresses, dew becomes a significant factor, especially during the second innings. Dampness on the surface causes the ball to slide off the bat, making it difficult for bowlers to move and get off the ball. This often results in sinking, giving teams chasing a light lead.
Historical data further supports this trend as about 80% of matches in Rawalpindi were won by bowling first. This throws out a critical element of captains who are likely to choose the field first to exploit the first move and swing on the offer. By surprising them early with the ball, teams can aim to limit their opponents to a manageable total before batting comfortably in the game.
RAWALPINDI CRICKET stadium ODI statistics and records
- Total Matches: 27
- Matches won by batting first: 11
- Matches won by bowling first: 15
- Average 1st innings score: 242
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 214
- Highest overall recorded: 337/3 by Pakistan and New Zealand (48.2 overs)
- Lowest overall record: 104/10 by Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka (33 overs)
- The highest score followed: 337/3 by Pakistan and New Zealand (48.2 overs)
- The lowest score defended: 206/9 (50 overs) England vs Pakistan
