PAK vs SL 2nd ODI 2025: Match Preview ,head to head Stats

Pakistan Eye Series-Clinching Win in Rawalpindi Thriller.The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is primed for another high-voltage ODI showdown as Pakistan host Sri Lanka in the 2nd match of their three-match series on November 13, 2025. Coming off a heart-stopping six-run victory in the opener—where Salman Agha’s unbeaten 107 and Haris Rauf’s 4/61 edged out Wanindu Hasaranga’s valiant 62—the Men in Green stand one win away from a series triumph. For Sri Lanka, it’s a must-win scenario to level the ledger and push for a decider on November 15, forcing the hosts to confront their middle-order resilience and bowling depth once more. With the pitch set to deliver another batting bonanza, this PAK vs SL 2nd ODI could redefine the series narrative, blending Asian rivalry with tactical intrigue.Pakistan’s resurgence under Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy has been palpable, turning a shaky year (just one ODI win from 11 abroad) into a home fortress. Sri Lanka, fresh from a 2-0 ODI sweep over Zimbabwe, showed fight in the chase but faltered in the death overs—now, Charith Asalanka’s men must harness their spin arsenal to counter the hosts’ seam firepower. As Rawalpindi’s floodlights flicker on, expect boundaries to flow and nerves to fray. Let’s unpack the essentials ahead of this pivotal clash.

Match Details:PAK vs SL 2^nd ODI

Timing, Toss, and Tactical Nuances Date and Venue:

Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The toss is at 2:00 PM PKT (3:30 PM IST, 11:00 AM GMT), with the first ball at 2:30 PM PKT. As a day-night affair, dew could grease the second innings, tilting the odds toward chasing—teams inserting the opposition have won 60% of ODIs here since 2017.Series Stakes: Pakistan lead 1-0 after defending 299 in a game that saw 592 runs and 14 wickets. A win seals the series for the hosts, boosting morale ahead of the Champions Trophy; for Sri Lanka, it’s survival mode to extend the tour.Live updates via ESPNcricinfo or Cricbuzz; umpires include Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza, with Richard Kettleborough on TV duties.

Weather Report:PAK vs SL 2^nd ODI

Clear Skies for Uninterrupted ActionRawalpindi’s autumnal charm sets the stage with predominantly sunny conditions forecast for November 13. Expect clear skies throughout, with daytime highs of 24-26°C (75-79°F) cooling to 14-16°C (57-61°F) under lights. Winds at 5-10 km/h and low humidity (around 20-30%) ensure minimal dew impact early, though evening moisture could aid the chasing side. No rain threats (0% precipitation chance), per Bureau of Meteorology and local forecasts—ideal for a full 100 overs and a run-fest. Fans: Layer up for the chill post-sunset.

Pitch Condition: PAK vs SL 2^nd ODI

Batter’s Delight with Subtle AssistanceThe Rawalpindi deck, fresh from the opener’s 299/5 and 293/9 fireworks, remains a flat track favoring stroke-makers. True bounce and short boundaries (65-70m) make it a high-scorer’s paradise—average first-innings total: 287 across the last five ODIs. Early seam movement for pacers like Naseem Shah (under overcast starts), but it flattens out, offering little to spinners until the death. Dew may blunt reverse swing in the second innings, pushing captains toward bowling first (as Shaheen did successfully). Par score: 280-300; anything over 290 is defendable with smart death bowling. Groundstaff confirm a used surface with consistent carry—expect 500+ combined runs again.

Head-to-Head Stats:PAK vs SL 2^nd ODI

Pakistan’s Edge in a Storied RivalryIn 158 ODIs since 1975, Pakistan hold sway with 94 wins to Sri Lanka’s 59 (1 tie, 4 no-results). At Rawalpindi, it’s even more lopsided: Hosts unbeaten in five home ODIs vs SL, averaging 320+ scores. Recent form favors PAK (3 wins in last 4 vs SL/SA at home), while SL’s away woes persist (just 40% win rate in Pakistan ODIs). At Home Pakistan has edge with 18-12.

Key stat: PAK vs SL 2^nd ODI

Pakistan’s seamers average 25 wickets per series here; SL’s spinners (Hasaranga-Theekshana) have snared 15 in their last three visits but leaked 5.8 runs/over. The opener’s chase drama underscores SL’s closing fragility—PAK defended by 6 runs, echoing their 2019 series whitewash.Probable Playing XI: Continuity with Calculated RisksBoth sides are expected to tweak minimally from the opener, prioritizing seam-spin balance on this belter. Pakistan may slot Abrar Ahmed for mystery spin; SL persists with their core, eyeing Asitha Fernando’s early breakthroughs.

Pakistan Probable XI: PAK vs SL 2^nd ODI

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Saim Ayub
3. Babar Azam
4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
5. Salman Ali Agha
6. Hussain Talat
7. Mohammad Nawaz
8. Faheem Ashraf
9. Shaheen Afridi (c)
10. Haris Rauf
11. Naseem Shah

(Bench: Abrar Ahmed, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.)

• Potential Change: Abrar in for Ashraf if spin grip emerges; Agha’s No. 5 promotion (107*) stays.

Sri Lanka Probable XI: PAK vs SL 2^nd ODI

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Kamil Mishara
3. Kusal Mendis (wk)
4. Sadeera Samarawickrama
5. Charith Asalanka (c)
6. Janith Liyanage
7. Kamindu Mendis
8. Wanindu Hasaranga
9. Maheesh Theekshana
10. Dushmantha Chameera
11. Asitha Fernando

(Bench: Lahiru Udara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Eshan Malinga)

• Potential Change: Malinga for extra pace if seam dominates; Hasaranga’s all-round bite (3/54 & 62*) locks him in.

Fantasy Picks: Agha (C) for glue, Hasaranga (VC) for multi-phase impact.Key Players to Watch: Form Guides and X-FactorsPakistan’s Pillars

• Agha Salman (All-Rounder): The opener’s hero (107* off 87, SR 123), Agha has 661 runs in 2025 ODIs at avg 50+. His composed anchoring rescued a 95/4 collapse—expect another rescue act if the top wobbles.
• Haris Rauf (Pacer): Match-winner with 4/61, including the final-over catch-clutch. 25 wickets in 2025 (econ 5.2); his 145kph heat dismantled SL’s middle order—death-over yorkers key again.
• Naseem Shah (Pacer): 18 scalps this year (SR 36 balls); his inswingers (1/52 in opener) thrive early at Rawalpindi. Post-injury sharpness makes him PAK’s X-factor.
• Babar Azam (Batter): Struggled (29 in Game 1), but 2025 form (avg 42) screams bounce-back. Needs a 50+ to fire the top.

Sri Lanka’s Saviors

• Wanindu Hasaranga (All-Rounder): Defiant 59 off 52 (SR 129) nearly stole the game; 3/54 with the ball. 2025: 15 wkts & 200 runs—his leg-spin could exploit PAK’s left-handers.
• Pathum Nissanka (Opener): 29off 39 anchored the 85-run stand; 353 runs in 2025 (avg 32). Crisp drives suit the flat track— a big knock levels the series.
• Asitha Fernando (Pacer): 23 wickets in 11 ODIs this year (avg 18.4, SR 20.6 balls); early strikes (1/42 in opener) vital. Swing under lights his weapon.
• Charith Asalanka (Captain & Batter): 488 runs in 2025 (avg 48.8, 2 tons); 32 in Game 1 before a brain-fade. Leadership and middle-order stability crucial.

Prediction: Pakistan to Edge a High-Scoring Affair (65% Win Probability)Rawalpindi’s batting bias points to another 550+ run thriller, with PAK’s seam depth (Rauf-Naseem-Shaheen: 50+ wkts in 2025) overpowering SL’s spin. Hosts post 290+, defending via death squeeze; SL fights but falls 10-20 short. Bold call: Agha 80* & Rauf 3-fer seal 2-0. Yet, if Hasaranga spins a web, SL chases in 48 overs. Buckle up—bilateral ODIs don’t get tighter.Who scripts the heroics? Drop your takes below. For live action, tune in via PTV Sports (Pakistan) or FanCode (India).