What PAK’s Playing XI Could Look Like Against SL in the Final of Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025

The game of cricket has an affinity for irony, and Pakistan’s run to the finals of the T20I Tri-Series is a perfect example. At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where batting-friendly pitches are combined with a morning swing and a late-evening dew, winning the toss may mean as much to a team as having the “best” planned 11 going into the match. Historically, teams that bat second at Rawalpindi have been defeated 62% of the time when the dew sets in after 6 pm, making chasing a potent tool for the opposing team. With Pakistan’s squad being balanced but also volatile, the team will need to utilise this type of play with precision. 

Opening Gambit: Farhan and Ayub Under Pressure

Sahibzada Farhan’s aggressive batting style and Saim’s defensive batting style give Pakistan a two-pronged approach at the top of their order. On pitches that can offer the Sri Lankan pacers an opportunity for seam movement and bounce early on, Farhan may choose to take some risks to try and score quickly; however, his attacking nature also poses a significant amount of risk. Conversely, Saim will need to maintain a calm demeanour and provide stability as he rotates the strike while navigating the difficult early overs. Historically, Pakistan has been successful in chases at Rawalpindi when they have established a partnership of 50 or more runs in the first six overs. Therefore, how well these two players complement each other is vital. 

Middle-Order Manoeuvres: Babar and Fakhar to Dominate

Babar Azam is still the centrepiece of Pakistan’s middle order as he provides the team with both stability and the ability to increase the run rate. He has an excellent partner in Fakhar Zaman, who, along with Babar, has a partnership that could be used to its full extent to take advantage of the natural bounce of Rawalpindi. Early on, Fakhar will try to clear the infield with his aggressive batting style, and this should complement Babar’s methodical approach to building a large total, which is important if the moisture in the air causes the ball to become slippery for the spinners to grip. The addition of Usman Khan behind the stumps allows for some tactical flexibility by allowing Pakistan to manipulate their field placements and also create pressure on the opposition. 

All-Round Arsenal: Depth and Dynamism

Pakistan’s Captain Salman Agha has off-spin utility and tactical decision-making. He is paired with the left-arm orthodox slow bowler Mohammad Nawaz, who will offer options for the heavy spin portions of the match. The team also has the quintessential middle-paced swing bowler in Faheem Ashraf, who can also accelerate through the death overs; as such, he provides an additional layer of flexibility to allow the team to weigh the risks and rewards from both the power play and death over portions of the match.

Pace Attack Precision: Wasim, Mirza, and Abrar

Pakistan’s two opening bowlers, Mohammad Wasim and Salman Mirza, have to make use of the early bounce and seam at Rawalpindi; Abrar Ahmed will be able to provide the slow bowling in the middle overs, especially to the left-handed batting line-up of Sri Lanka. With dew reducing the hardness of the surface, it has been difficult for the slow bowlers to get any turn, and this has made the timing of their introduction critical. With the new ball seamers likely to dominate the first 4 overs, it is then difficult for the slow bowlers to do so later; however, the amount of depth available in Pakistan’s bowling will allow them to rotate and vary their attack, which is essential as Sri Lanka likes to play with controlled aggression.

Key Takeaway

Pakistan’s Rawalpindi edge lies in balance, not sheer bravado.

FAQs

What is Pakistan’s biggest advantage at Rawalpindi?

The combination of early swing for pacers and dew-aided batting in the second innings.

Why is the opening partnership critical for Pakistan?

A strong start sets up middle-order consolidation and mitigates pressure against Sri Lanka’s bowlers.

How can Pakistan’s all-rounders influence the match?

They provide tactical flexibility to counter both spin-heavy and pace-friendly phases, balancing risk and reward.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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