Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the second T20I of their three-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 11. After winning the opener by four wickets, Pakistan lead 1-0 and can seal the series with a match to spare.
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan led the chase with 89 off 53 balls, while Maaz Sadaqat scored 50 off 29 deliveries. However, Pakistan will look for a better bowling performance after conceding 182/8 in the first match.
Sri Lanka will aim to level the series under Kusal Mendis. Lahiru Udara scored 91 off 55 balls in the opener, but the bowling attack could not defend the total. Sri Lanka need a stronger performance with the ball to force a series decider on Tuesday.
Pakistan have won 18 of their 30 T20I meetings with Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka have recorded 12 victories. Pakistan can take an unassailable 2-0 lead with another win, while Sri Lanka must bounce back to keep the series alive.
PAK vs SL Match Preview & Recent Form
Pakistan held their nerve in the series opener to chase down 183 in 18.5 overs. Farhan anchored the innings, while Fakhar Zaman added 21 off 13 balls. Maaz Sadaqat then scored a half-century to help Pakistan complete the chase.
Maheesh Theekshana took 2/36 in four overs, while Eshan Malinga also claimed two wickets. However, Sri Lanka struggled to contain Pakistan’s batters during the chase. Kusal Mendis and his bowling unit will need a more disciplined performance to level the series.
Sri Lanka’s batting revolved around Lahiru Udara, who struck 91 off 55 balls, including 11 fours and a six. Kamindu Mendis scored 23 off 18 balls, while Dasun Shanaka remained unbeaten on 18 off 15 as Sri Lanka posted 182/8.
Naseem Shah led Pakistan’s bowling attack with 3/36, while debutant Mohammad Imran claimed 2/21 in four overs. Pakistan will look to improve their control in the powerplay, with Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed expected to play important roles in the middle overs.
PAK vs SL Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where To Watch 2nd T20I?
Fans in Pakistan can watch the second T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka live on PTV Sports. Live streaming is available on the Tapmad app and website, Tamasha app, and PCB Live platform. The match starts at 6:00 PM PKT (6:30 PM IST), with the toss scheduled for 5:30 PM PKT (6:00 PM IST).
In India, the series is available for live streaming on the Veto app, with no television broadcast listed. The match starts at 6:30 PM IST, while the toss takes place at 6:00 PM IST.
PAK vs SL Pitch Report: How Will Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Play?
Warm conditions with hazy sunshine are expected in Rawalpindi on Sunday, October 11, followed by mostly clear skies in the evening. According to AccuWeather, temperatures should drop from around 25°C at 5 PM to 23°C at 7 PM and 22°C by 8 PM.
Rain is unlikely to disrupt the match, with AccuWeather forecasting a 2% chance of precipitation during the evening. Humidity is expected to rise from around 63% at 6 PM to 69% at 8 PM. Dew could become a factor later in the match, making the ball harder for bowlers to grip.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium T20 Stats
Total Matches: 17
Won Batting First: 4
Won Bowling First: 11
Average 1st Innings Score: 146
Average 2nd Innings Score: 144
Highest Team Total: 195/5 (Pakistan vs Zimbabwe)
Lowest Team Total: 90 (New Zealand vs Pakistan)
Highest Score Chased: 194/4 (New Zealand vs Pakistan)
Lowest Score Defended: 184/5 (Sri Lanka vs Pakistan)
Highest Individual Score: 104* (Mark Chapman, New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2023)
Best Bowling Figures: 4/13 (Usman Qadir, Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 2020)
PAK vs SL Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Warm conditions with hazy sunshine are expected in Rawalpindi on Sunday, October 11, followed by mostly clear skies in the evening. According to AccuWeather, temperatures are expected to drop from around 25°C at 5 PM to 23°C at 7 PM and 22°C by 8 PM.
Rain is unlikely to disrupt the second T20I, with AccuWeather forecasting a 2% chance of precipitation during the evening. Humidity is expected to rise from around 63% at 6 PM to 69% at 8 PM. Dew could become a factor later in the match, making the ball harder for bowlers to grip.
PAK vs SL Team News & Squad Updates
Pakistan have reported no new injury concerns or squad changes ahead of the second T20I. Mohammad Imran Randhawa impressed on debut, taking two wickets in the opening match.
Sri Lanka have made no fresh squad announcements. Dushmantha Chameera was included in the original squad subject to fitness, while Binura Fernando remains part of the 15-member group.
PAK vs SL Predicted Playing 11 Today
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Imran, Razaullah, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI: Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
PAK vs SL Key Player Battles to Watch
Sahibzada Farhan vs Maheesh Theekshana
Sahibzada Farhan’s aggressive approach makes him a key wicket for Sri Lanka. Maheesh Theekshana will look to restrict his scoring with accurate lines and variations, especially during the powerplay.
Lahiru Udara vs Naseem Shah
Lahiru Udara gave Sri Lanka a strong start in the opener, while Naseem Shah claimed three wickets for Pakistan. The fast bowler will aim to use his pace and bounce to dismiss the opener early.
Maaz Sadaqat vs Nuwan Thushara
Maaz Sadaqat’s quick scoring helped Pakistan complete the chase in the first T20I. Nuwan Thushara will look to contain the young batter with yorkers and changes of pace, particularly during the middle and death overs.
PAK vs SL Key Players to Watch
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Maheesh Theekshana, Kusal Mendis
Also read: India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI shifted from Delhi to Ahmedabad
