Pakistan looks to complete a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka when the two sides meet in the second encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 11. With the hosts having secured a four-wicket win in the series opener, the visitors have a slim chance of saving the series and forcing a decider.

Pakistan made a strong chasing statement by overcoming an 182/8 target successfully within 18.5 overs in the opening T20I. While the hosts will look to capitalize on their winning start and complete the series with a game to spare, Sri Lanka will have to step up with the bat and the ball if they want to avoid a 0-3 defeat.

Pakistan aims to maintain winning momentum

Sri Lanka's first-innings total was anchored by an excellent knock from Lahiru Udara, who scored 91 off 55 deliveries. The batter laid the foundation for the visitors, but they ultimately fell short as Pakistan chased down the target with seven balls to spare.

Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan captain, will be looking to lead his team to yet another win and complete their series triumph. The hosts might stick with their first XI once more as they have a potent batting line-up and picked up wickets at key moments.

The opening match also saw Pakistan shuffle their order with Fakhar Zaman coming in at the top while Saim Ayub was pushed down to fifth as they tried different combinations. The tweaks brought them rewards in Rawalpindi, and the management could continue with the same approach in the next T20I.

Naseem Shah, the fast bowler, will be one to watch out for as well after he made a solid comeback in T20I cricket. He picked up two wickets in the opening match and could build on the performance as he returns to action after an injury.

Sri Lanka face tricky selection dilemma after losing the opener

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be looking for a much more complete batting performance if they are to level this T20I series. Udara laid the platform with his brilliant knock, but the visitors will need more runs from the other batters to put Pakistan on the ropes.

The team management may have to tweak their approach if they do want to take their chances in this series, especially in chasing down totals. They will also be looking for a better spell from Maheesh Theekshana after his expensive bowling in the first game. His ability to control the run rate with a strong middle-over will be vital against a Pakistan batting line-up eager to get off the mark in the T20I campaign.

The visitors will also need to find a way to stop Pakistan's attacking intent, as defending 182 should have been a good opportunity for Sri Lanka to take the series lead. Instead, their failure to restrict the hosts in their chase was ultimately more costly.

Rawalpindi conditions could prove to be pivotal

The conditions in Rawalpindi were on the whole helpful to the fast bowlers in the first match, and they too could be important for the second encounter. Pakistan's pace trio will be looking to exploit the familiar conditions, but the visitors' bowlers must deliver better and not allow the hosts to dictate the scoring rate.

For Pakistan, the main effort will be to replicate their disciplined approach and aggressive batting that helped them win the opener. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, need their top-order to lay a good foundation while also taking their chances in building up a competitive total.

The hosts have one win away from completing the series triumph, and both sides' efforts will be crucial if they don't want to face a tie on the third T20I.