Match overview
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in Rawalpindi on 16 November 2025, chasing down a target of 212 with minimal drama. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 211, a total that always looked below par given the venue's average first-innings score of 214 across 79 ODI matches. Mohammad Wasim claimed the Player of the Match award. Pakistan's chase was built largely in the middle overs, where they scored 139 runs and lost just 3 wickets between overs 11 and 40.
Sri Lanka's innings had a reasonable foundation. They reached 57/1 at the powerplay, above the venue's average of 41 powerplay runs, but the middle phase undid them. Six wickets fell for 128 runs between overs 11 and 40, and the tail could only scrape 26 in the death. That collapse set a ceiling on their total and handed Pakistan a chase well within their recent capabilities.
For Pakistan, the result extended a solid run of form. They have won four of their last five ODIs and now hold a 62–44 lead over Sri Lanka in 117 all-time meetings. This was also Pakistan's second 6-wicket win over Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi in 2025 alone.
Venue and conditions
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has a well-established record in ODI cricket. Across 79 matches, the average first-innings score is 214 and the average second-innings score is 208, figures that confirm this as a moderate-scoring venue where totals in the 200–230 range are competitive rather than dominant. Sri Lanka's 211 sat right on the boundary between defendable and insufficient.
The venue's powerplay average of 41 runs suggests scoring is not particularly easy in the opening phase, which makes Sri Lanka's 57/1 look more significant in retrospect. Pakistan's steadier start of 46/1 in their own powerplay was below that average, but their 139-run middle phase meant they never needed to push hard in the death. The toss-and-field pattern is well established here: 58% of toss winners choose to field, and Pakistan followed suit. The chase success rate of 60% vindicated that call.
Pitch conditions in Rawalpindi in November tend to be firm with some pace and carry early, which suits swing bowling in the first 10 overs. As the match progresses, the surface can slow and offer something to the spinners. Pakistan's decision to bowl first was shaped by these conditions as much as by the historical data.
How to watch
Pakistan home ODI series are broadcast in the UK on Sky Sports Cricket. Matches are also available via Sky Go and NOW TV for those without a full Sky package. Given the time difference, a 10:00 local start in Rawalpindi means a 06:00 UK kick-off in winter, so most UK fans will be catching highlights or on-demand replays through the Sky Sports app.
Recent form
Pakistan arrive in strong shape. Their last five results read: wins over Sri Lanka (twice), a win over South Africa, a loss to South Africa, and another win over South Africa. Four wins from five, with their only defeat coming in a closely fought series against a South Africa side who are ranked highly in ODI cricket.
Sri Lanka's form is a concern. Their last five results show five consecutive losses, including three to Pakistan and one each to India and Bangladesh. The issues appear systemic rather than circumstantial: their middle-order collapse here at Rawalpindi, losing 6 wickets for 128 between overs 11 and 40, mirrors the kind of batting fragility that has cost them across recent series. Until that core problem is resolved, Sri Lanka will remain vulnerable on away tours. The next fixture in this series gives them a chance to respond, though Pakistan's home advantage and momentum make that a significant ask.