Which Players Could Decide the Outcome of PAK vs SL – 3rd Match, Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025

Some matches are dominated by skill, while others are won on temperament; I believe that Pakistan-Sri Lanka (third match) of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 falls into the second category. Rawalpindi always has an air of theatrics to it. It will likely be a run-filled game at Rawalpindi. The largest challenge facing Pakistan is the ability of its players to perform consistently. On paper, Pakistan’s opening batsmen are extremely dangerous, but they have failed to live up to their potential. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka arrives at Rawalpindi with no pressure on them, and that can be a very difficult and scary mental state for an opponent. 

Saim Ayub’s Powerplay Gamble Could Flip the Script

Saim Ayub (983 runs, SR 133.92) is Pakistan’s most volatile player; however, most divisive player. He can take Pakistan from being in a position where they can win at ease to a situation where they are unable to regain momentum after his dismissal. Saim Ayub’s natural attacking style on pitches that offer a steady amount of bounce can give Pakistan an advantage with respect to scoring in the first six overs. However, Saim Ayub will have to resist the temptation to attack the spin bowlers aggressively as soon as they come into play, as they will attempt to capitalise on his aggressive nature. 

Fakhar Zaman’s Middle-Overs Reinvention Defines Stability

Many consider Fakhar Zaman (SR 131.35), the middle-overs specialist for Pakistan, with over 2,300 runs under his belt, to be simply a “powerplay hitter” due to his transformation in this time frame; however, Fakhar’s evolution to be the primary middle-overs anchor in the batting lineup has been an unheralded strategic move by Pakistan. Fakhar’s left-handed hitting creates problems for off-spinner bowlers and can create fielding challenges for them when he bats against Sri Lanka. Unlike Ayub, who creates chaos with his batting, Fakhar creates pressure through calculated aggression – and Rawalpindi rewards both of these approaches. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Represent Opposite Versions of Pressure

There is little doubt that Shaheen Shah Afridi (123 wickets with a best of 4-22) does not require an introduction to cricket fans, as when he swings the new ball, an entire match plan collapses. However, the Rawalpindi pitch may not always provide the same level of early swing as other venues in Pakistan, and so the challenge for Shaheen is to adapt rather than force conditions that may not be present. Abrar Ahmed (32 wickets with a best of 4-9) has been developed specifically for pitches such as this one – low turn but considerable subtlety in terms of dip and drift, and it is his bowling effort which will most likely be the quiet turning point of the match. 

Prediction? If Pakistan’s main players fire at just 70 per cent efficiency, that will still be enough to take the win on this pitch. If Sri Lanka is going to rewrite the story, then they can only do so if they go after Abrar and do not look to survive him. Any other way is a loss.

Key Takeaway

The match isn’t about strike rate, it’s about who controls the middle-overs heartbeat.

FAQs

1: What makes Rawalpindi a high-scoring venue?

True bounce and pace allow batters to hit through the line with freedom.

2: Why are all-rounders crucial in this match?

They shape both scoring tempo and middle-overs wicket flow, the match’s two biggest levers.

3: How can Sri Lanka upset Pakistan?

Disrupt Pakistan’s batting tempo and target Abrar before he settles.