Naseem Shah To Play Today? Pakistan Playing 11 Against Sri Lanka  Tri-Series 2025 Final Prediction

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all set to face each other in the final of the Tri-Series 2025 in Rawalpindi, and the big question for fans is Will Naseem Shah play today? Looking at Pakistan’s recent matches and their team combination, there is a strong chance that the young fast bowler returns for the most important match of the tournament.

Pakistan finished the league stage at the top of the points table with 3 wins from 4 games. They defeated Zimbabwe twice and beat Sri Lanka once, before losing the final league match to Sri Lanka by just 6 runs. Their net run rate of +1.440 shows how dominant they have been.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, qualified with 2 wins and 2 losses. They had a tough start, losing their first two matches, but recovered well by beating Zimbabwe and then Pakistan in their last game.

The focus, however, is on Pakistan’s bowling changes. Mohammad Wasim Jr has not been effective with the ball, taking just one wicket in the series and leaking runs at an economy rate of 7.58. In a high-pressure final, Pakistan will want their strongest bowling lineup, and this is why Naseem Shah is expected to return. His pace and wicket-taking ability make him a natural choice for a do-or-die match.

Abrar Ahmed is also likely to keep his place after an excellent spell of 2 for 28 in the previous game. His control over spin gives Pakistan variety in the middle overs. The only uncertainty is around Shaheen Afridi. The left-arm pacer has missed two games due to a foot injury. If he passes his fitness test, he will walk straight into the playing XI. If not, Salman Mirza will continue in his role.

Sri Lanka will rely on Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga, while Pakistan’s batting looks stable with Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, and captain Salman Ali Agha performing consistently.

Overall, Pakistan are expected to field their strongest possible combination as they look to lift the trophy at home.

Probable Pakistan Playing 11:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (C), Usman Khan (WK), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi (If not fit: Salman Mirza), Abrar Ahmed.