Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Prediction: Back the Outsiders to Win on Tuesday

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are looking to bounce back from defeat in their opening Super Fours matches when they face off on Tuesday, live on TNT Sport from 15:30. 

After a 9/2 top bat winner last time out, Dan Thomas returns with his best bets and Pakistan vs Sri Lanka predictions… 

*You can check out all of the Cricket Odds available on offer from us at betfred.com

Pakistan strike rate issues continue 

Pakistan are coming off a disappointing performance against India in their Super Fours opener, where their batting once again failed to show the kind of strike rate needed in the middle overs.  

Despite posting 171 for 5, the innings drifted badly after the Powerplay as wickets fell and acceleration never really materialised. India were able to chase with comfort, making it seven consecutive wins over their old rivals.  

Sahibzada Farhan's 58 against India was a bright spot and he may be the batter to watch again, but Pakistan's middle order must find another gear. Their bowling attack still looks threatening when clicking, with Shaheen Afridi's new-ball menace a dangerous weapon and off-spinner Saim Ayub picking up wickets with spin in the Powerplay. 

Sri Lanka shocked by Bangladesh 

After going 3/3 in the Group stages, Sri Lanka fell to Bangladesh in their Super Four opener. Despite a solid start from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, the middle order faltered and their bowlers couldn't contain a chase of 169. Bangladesh reached the target with five wickets and an over to spare, capitalising on erratic bowling and patchy fielding.  

Nissanka has been their standout performer with the bat, scoring 146 runs at a strike rate of 149 so far, while Kusal Mendis has also chipped in after a slow start.  

With the ball, Wanindu Hasaranga has been effective with five wickets at an economy of 5.75, though his support has been patchy. Dushmantha Chameera also has five wickets but has gone for runs, leaking at over eight an over.  

Key Odds 

The traders have Pakistan as strong favourites for this one at 8/13, with Sri Lanka rated as 5/4 chances. While Salman Ali Agha's men probably do have more match-winners in the squad, this match could go either way, so SL look like a touch of value here. 

Farhan is the 14/5 joint favourite to top score for Pakistan after that half-century against India, sharing the top of the market with Fakhar Zaman, whose opening partner Saim Ayub is 10/3. For Sri Lanka, the impressive Nissanka is strong favourite at 13/5, with opening partner Kusal Mendis at 3/1 and Kusal Perera a 4/1 shot.  

On the bowling front, Pakistan trio Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed are all 3/1 to take most wickets but Ayub stands out at 6/1 - he's already nabbed six in the tournament with his off-spin often being utilised in the Powerplay. For Sri Lanka, Nuwan Thushara heads the market at 14/5 after taking six so far, with Hasaranga a 10/3 chance.  

*For all the latest and live Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Odds then head over to betfred.com 

Best Bets:

Despite the defeat by Bangladesh, Sri Lanka have been more consistent than Pakistan so far in the tournament and I was pleasantly surprised to see them priced up at odds-against for Tuesday's match. The recent head-to-head record between the two is 5-0 to SL and 5/4 on them making it six feels like too good an opportunity to miss.  

We'll add in a small stakes play on Ayub continuing his good form with the ball for Pakistan; he has been dangerous in the Powerplay, with batsmen perhaps underestimating him.

Dan Thomas 2025 Cricket P/L:

• Staked: 45pts 
• Returned: 40.26pts 
• P/L: -4.74pts 

Find more Cricket Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights