Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Match 2025: The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI 2025 has officially started, marking the beginning of the Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2025. This exciting encounter is being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a venue known for hosting many thrilling international matches. Both teams are ready with strong lineups and a clear strategy as they aim to start the series with a victory.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Match 2025
| Match | PAK vs SL • 1st ODI • Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2025 |
|---|---|
| Match | PAK vs SL • 1st ODI • Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2025 |
| Series | Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2025 |
| Date | Today |
| Time | 2:30 PM LOCAL, 9:30 AM GMT |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Toss Result | Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first |
| Umpires | Alex Wharf, Asif Yaqoob |
| 3rd Umpire | Sharfuddoula |
| Match Referee | Ali Naqvi |
| Stadium Capacity | 15,000 |
| Stadium Ends | Pavilion End, Shell End |
| Hosts To | Pakistan, Rawalpindi |
Match Toss and Pitch Report
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and chose to bowl first, taking advantage of the morning conditions that could help the pacers get early movement. The Rawalpindi pitch is traditionally batting-friendly, but early overs may favor bowlers due to slight moisture. Batting will likely get easier as the game progresses, and a total of around 280-300 runs could be competitive.
Pakistan Squad and Playing XI
Pakistan, led by Shaheen Afridi, enters the series with a confident side featuring a mix of experienced players and young talents. The team looks balanced in all departments — batting, bowling, and all-round capabilities.
Pakistan Playing XI:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Salman Agha
- Hussain Talat
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Afridi (c)
- Haris Rauf
- Naseem Shah
Pakistan Bench: Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah Khan
Support Staff: Azhar Mahmood, Mike Hesson, Simon Helmot, Ashley Noffke
Key Players to Watch:
- Babar Azam: The captain will look to anchor the innings and lead from the front.
- Shaheen Afridi: His opening spell could be crucial in restricting Sri Lanka’s batting.
- Mohammad Rizwan: Known for consistency and match awareness, Rizwan is expected to play a vital role in the middle order.
Sri Lanka Squad and Playing XI
Sri Lanka, under Charith Asalanka, will be keen to make a strong start on foreign soil. They have a youthful squad filled with potential match-winners who can perform in pressure situations.
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Janith Liyanage
- Kamindu Mendis
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Asitha Fernando
Sri Lanka Bench: Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Udara, Pavan Rathnayake, Jeffrey Vandersay
Support Staff: Sanath Jayasuriya, Thilina Kandamby, Upul Chandana, Naveed Nawaz
Key Players to Watch:
- Kusal Mendis: The wicketkeeper-batsman will be essential in stabilizing the innings.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: His all-round performance could be the game-changer.
- Dushmantha Chameera: The fast bowler’s ability to swing the new ball may trouble Pakistan’s top order.
Venue Details: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is one of Pakistan’s most iconic grounds. With a capacity of 15,000 spectators, it offers an electric atmosphere for international matches. The stadium has two main ends — Pavilion End and Shell End — and has hosted several memorable contests over the years. The conditions here generally favor fast bowlers early on, but it gradually turns into a batting paradise as the innings progress.
Match Expectations
Both teams are evenly matched, and fans can expect an exciting contest filled with boundaries, wickets, and dramatic moments. Pakistan’s strong batting lineup will test Sri Lanka’s bowlers, while Sri Lanka’s spinners may play a crucial role in the middle overs. With both sides eager to start the series with a win, today’s match could set the tone for the rest of the ODI series.
FAQs
The match is being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first.
The match starts at 2:30 PM local time (9:30 AM GMT).
Fans can watch the live telecast on Sony Sports Network or stream the match online via the SonyLIV app.
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI 2025 is more than just the opening game of the series — it’s a chance for both teams to build momentum and test their combinations ahead of future tournaments. With star players like Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis on display, the Rawalpindi crowd is set to witness an exciting battle between bat and ball.