Last Updated on 5 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Sri Lanka picked up the win they needed against Zimbabwe, winning comfortably by eight wickets with 22 balls to spare. Their net run rate is still worse than Zimbabwe’s, shedding light on how poor Sri Lanka were at the start of this tri-series.

Dasun Shanaka’s team will be looking to build on that performance. Their equation is simple – win today and reach Sunday’s final, also against Pakistan. The hosts have comfortably been the best team in this tri-series, but a Sri Lankan victory can further boost confidence and set up an interesting narrative ahead of the decider.

Pathum Nissanka was excellent against the Zimbabweans after the bowlers kept them in check. However, Sri Lanka will face a tougher test against a Pakistani bowling attack in the groove, with their spinners in particular in good form. Usman Tariq, who took a hat-trick against Zimbabwe, is performing well along with Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed who have also been bowling nicely in recent times.

Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 6th Match: PAK vs SL Possible Playing XIs

Pakistan could persist with Fakhar Zaman down the order after his cameo of 27 off 10 balls against Zimbabwe. The hosts may also experiment further given they have already qualified for the final. Whether they can fit both Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq in the XI remains to be seen.

Shaheen Shah Afridi could return from a minor foot injury.

Pakistan: 1. Sahibzada Farhan, 2. Saim Ayub, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Fakhar Zaman, 5. Salman Agha (c), 6. Usman Khan (wk), 7. Mohammad Nawaz, 8. Faheem Ashraf/Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9. Mohammad Wasim/Naseem Shah, 10. Usman Tariq, 11. Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka could persist with the same team that thrashed Zimbabwe two nights ago.

Sri Lanka: 1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kamil Mishara, 3. Kusal Mendis (wk), 4. Kusal Perera, 5. Janith Liyanage, 6. Dasun Shanaka (c), 7. Pavan Rathnayake, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Maheesh Theekshana, 11. Eshan Malinga

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Weather

Spinners have enjoyed success in this tri-series. After Usman Tariq took 4/18, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana took two wickets each to limit Zimbabwe. Expect spin to play a key role again.

The average first innings score is 155.6. The chasing team has won three of the five matches. Sri Lanka managed just 128/7 against Pakistan last week.

Another cool and clear evening is forecast with dew likely in the second innings.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for PAK vs SL T20I Today: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

• Sahibzada Farhan inspires the most confidence from a fantasy cricket perspective. The Pakistan opener is the leading run-scorer in this tri-series (159) with a strike rate of 157.42. This includes two fifties.

Key batter picks:

• Pathum Nissanka stormed back into form against Zimbabwe. How he fares against spin will be key for Sri Lanka (see below).
• Babar Azam has looked in good touch in recent times, but will be looking to improve on his record against Sri Lanka (9 inns, 130 runs, avg. 16.25, SR 86.66). Babar has 741 runs in all T20s at Rawalpindi at an average of 39 and strike rate of 148.5.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Mohammad Nawaz is the leading wicket-taker this series with seven at a superb average of 8.42 and strike rate of 10.28. He took Sri Lanka apart last week with figures of 3/16.
• Wanindu Hasaranga has also been in the wickets, with five scalps at a strike rate of 14.40. He has 16 wickets in seven T20Is against Pakistan (avg. 11.37, econ. 10.50).
• Dasun Shanaka will contribute overs given the makeup of the Sri Lankan attack. He is also one of their key players in the middle order.

Key bowler picks:

• Will Pakistan pick Usman Tariq again? The mystery spinner can challenge Sri Lanka who have had their challenges against spin this series.
• Maheesh Theekshana will be key in the powerplay, especially if bowling first against Saim Ayub. Saim averages 16.3 when batting first in T20s this year compared to 22.3 batting second.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Saim Ayub is yet to get going with the bat in this tri-series but he can fire on his day. He can also contribute overs.
• Kusal Mendis spent some time at the crease against Zimbabwe. But, he has just three runs in four T20Is against Pakistan, including three golden ducks.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi took 3/28 against Sri Lanka in the 2025 Asia Cup. He dismissed both openers Nissanka and Mendis. Keep an eye on team lists to see if he returns.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 25, Pakistan 15, Sri Lanka 10.
• Sahibzada Farhan smashed 80* off 45 balls against Sri Lanka last week.
• Pakistan could look to test Pathum Nissanka with spin early. The Sri Lanka opener averages 24.3 with a strike rate of 118.9 against spin in all T20s this year.

Pakistan T20 Tri-Series 6th Match: PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

Option 2:

PAK vs SL Match Prediction: Who will win?

A game that can go either way with Sri Lanka needing to win. This match means more for Sri Lanka, so will back them for a win.

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All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo and Cricmetric.