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

Sri Lanka's captain Charith Asalanka during an ODI match (Source: Tanvin Tamim via Getty Images)

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka is looking forward to the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, while acknowledging the challenge of playing away from home. The three-match series will take place from November 11 to 15, followed by a tri-series starting on November 17.

Sri Lanka come into the series in good form, having registered a 2-0 clean sweep over Zimbabwe in their most recent ODI contests in August, highlighted by a Player of the Series performance from experienced batter Pathum Nissanka. Pakistan, meanwhile, will aim to continue their winning momentum following a 2-1 ODI series victory against South Africa earlier this month. The two sides last faced each other in the Asia Cup Super Fours, where Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka en route to reaching 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

Match	Date	Time (IST)	Venue
1st ODI	November 11	3:00 PM	Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
2nd ODI	November 13	3:00 PM	Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
3rd ODI	November 15	3:00 PM	Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi