The first ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will take place on Tuesday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, marking the start of an exciting 50-overs series. Both teams are eager to kick off with a strong performance and gain early momentum.
Pakistan comes into the series with a strong pace attack led by captain Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf, supported by a solid middle order featuring Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub. Their experience and form in home conditions give them a decisive edge. The presence of match-winners like Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz in the spin department offers control and wicket-taking ability during the middle overs.
Sri Lanka, coming off impressive performances recently, boasts experienced batters such as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis who can handle pace and spin effectively. Their bowling squad, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Eshan Malinga, combines experience and youth and will aim to exploit any weaknesses in the Pakistani batting lineup.
PAK vs SL: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Matches played: 157 | Pakistan won: 93 | Sri Lanka: 59 | No result: 4 | Tied: 1
PAK vs SL, 1st ODI: Match Details
- Date and Time: November 11; 2:30 pm IST/ 2:00 pm Local/ 9:00 am GMT
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Rawalpindi pitch typically offers good bounce and carry, producing competitive scores around 240 runs, but also provides early movement for seamers, especially under overcast conditions.
With the new ball likely to swing, fast bowlers will have a crucial role in the opening overs. However, dew is expected to influence the second innings, making bowling tougher as the ball skids onto the bat – favouring teams chasing.
Given that teams bowling first have won nearly 80% of previous matches at this venue, the toss could play a decisive role, with captains expected to opt for fielding first to make full use of the early seam movement before dew becomes a factor.
PAK vs SL, 1st ODI: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Pakistan wins the toss and bowls first
- Sri Lanka’s total score: 250-260
Case 2:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bowls first
- Pakistan’s total score: 270-280
Match result: Team batting second to win the contest.
