PAK vs SL 2025: ‘It’s always a tough series against Pakistan’- Charith Asalanka

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka is looking forward to the next ODI series against Pakistan, despite the challenges of playing away from home. The three-match series will run from November 11 to 15, followed by a tri-series beginning on November 17.

Sri Lanka enters the series in fine form, having swept Zimbabwe 2-0 in their most recent ODIs in August, with seasoned hitter Pathum Nissanka earning Player of the Series honours. Pakistan, meanwhile, will look to maintain their winning streak after a 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa earlier this month. The two teams last met in the Asia Cup Super Fours, with Pakistan defeating Sri Lanka to go to the final.

“That’s always a tough series when it comes to Pakistan, their home, their conditions. Pakistan played good cricket in their last series, and we did too. We played 30-45 days ago in Zimbabwe and did really really well, especially our ODI side has been doing really well,” said Asalanka in the pre-match press conference.

Sri Lanka seamer Matheesha Pathirana will miss the Pakistan tour while recovering from an upper respiratory tract infection. Asitha Fernando has been named as his replacement for the upcoming ODI series, ensuring the team maintains balance in the bowling attack.

Sri Lanka ODI squad against Pakistan:

Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga

Pakistan ODI squad against Sri Lanka:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

Sri Lanka tour to Pakistan 2025 – Schedule, Dates, Timings, and Venues