Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ODI tri-nation series on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. England are the third team in the tournament, which runs from October 18 to 31.
Pakistan will aim to begin their home campaign with a victory under captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka. The tournament provides both teams with an opportunity to strengthen their preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI |
| Series | Pakistan ODI Tri-Nation Series 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, October 18, 2026 |
| Start Time | 1:00 PM PKT |
| Toss Time | 12:30 PM PKT |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Format | One Day International |
| Pakistan Captain | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Sri Lanka Captain | Kusal Mendis |
Team Overview
Pakistan
Pakistan enter the opening match with a 16-member squad featuring experienced international players and promising young talent. Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha will be important to the batting lineup, while Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz provide additional options.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead a bowling attack that includes Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan. Pakistan will look to take advantage of familiar conditions and make a strong start to the tri-nation series.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have also named a 16-member squad, with Kusal Mendis leading the side. Their batting options include Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake and Dasun Shanaka.
The bowling attack features Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando. Sri Lanka will need a disciplined bowling performance and strong partnerships with the bat to challenge the hosts.
Pathum Nissanka is included in the announced squad, subject to medical fitness.
Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan have historically dominated the ODI rivalry against Sri Lanka.
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total ODI Matches | 160 |
| Pakistan Wins | 96 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 59 |
| Tied Matches | 1 |
| No Results | 4 |
Pakistan’s stronger head-to-head record gives them an advantage on paper, although Sri Lanka will have an opportunity to improve their record in the series opener.
Top Players to Watch
Babar Azam – Pakistan
Babar Azam will be one of Pakistan’s key batters. His ability to build an innings, rotate the strike and accelerate when required could prove crucial to the team’s chances of posting a competitive total.
Fakhar Zaman – Pakistan
Fakhar Zaman can put opposition bowlers under pressure with his aggressive approach. A strong start from the opener could give Pakistan momentum during the powerplay.
Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan
Pakistan’s captain will be a key figure with the new ball. His ability to find movement and take early wickets could put Sri Lanka under pressure from the beginning.
Kusal Mendis – Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis will carry significant responsibility as captain and a leading batter. His ability to anchor the innings and handle Pakistan’s pace attack could determine Sri Lanka’s batting performance.
Kamindu Mendis – Sri Lanka
Kamindu Mendis offers batting versatility and could play an important role in the middle order. His ability to build partnerships will be valuable if Sri Lanka lose early wickets.
Maheesh Theekshana – Sri Lanka
Theekshana will be an important bowling option during the middle overs. His variations and ability to restrict scoring could make him a key player against Pakistan’s batters.
Probable Playing XIs
The following are predicted combinations based on the officially announced squads. They are not confirmed playing XIs; the final teams will be announced at the toss.
Pakistan Probable XI
-
Saim Ayub
-
Fakhar Zaman
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Babar Azam
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Salman Ali Agha
-
Hasan Nawaz
-
Shadab Khan
-
Faheem Ashraf
-
Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper)
-
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain)
-
Haris Rauf
-
Naseem Shah
Other squad options: Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig, Razaullah and Sufiyan Moqim.
Sri Lanka Probable XI
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Pathum Nissanka, subject to medical fitness
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Avishka Fernando
-
Kamil Mishara
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Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper)
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Kamindu Mendis
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Pavan Rathnayake
-
Dasun Shanaka
-
Dunith Wellalage
-
Maheesh Theekshana
-
Dushmantha Chameera
-
Asitha Fernando
Other squad options: Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Sachindu Colombage, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
Pitch Report
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium generally offers favourable conditions for batting, with consistent bounce and an outfield that rewards well-timed shots. Batters who settle early could score freely, while fast bowlers may find some assistance with the new ball.
Spinners and change-of-pace bowlers could become important during the middle overs. The team batting first will aim to build partnerships before accelerating in the final 10 overs.
The toss could influence each captain’s decision, depending on the pitch and weather conditions on match day.
Live Streaming Details
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the following broadcast and streaming arrangements for the ODI tri-nation series.
| Region | TV Broadcast | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | PTV Sports | PCB Live, Tapmad, Tamasha |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports | Sky’s digital services, PCB Live |
| North America | Willow TV | Willow TV digital services, PCB Live |
| Sri Lanka | Dialog, Peo TV, Siyatha TV | Relevant broadcaster platforms, PCB Live |
| Bangladesh | T Sports | Tapmad |
| Australia | Fox Sports | Fox Sports digital services |
| Middle East and North Africa | Cricbuzz | Cricbuzz digital services |
| India | No TV broadcaster specified | Veto |
| Other covered regions | Varies by territory | PCB Live in listed international regions |
Availability and subscription requirements may vary by country.
Match Prediction
Pakistan will start as favourites in the opening ODI because of their home advantage, historical record against Sri Lanka and experienced fast-bowling attack.
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will be crucial to Pakistan’s batting plans, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah could make the difference with the ball.
Sri Lanka will need their top order to build a strong foundation and their bowlers to take wickets at regular intervals. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis could play important roles in keeping the visitors competitive.
If Pakistan’s batters establish a strong partnership and their pace attack delivers early breakthroughs, the hosts should have the advantage.
Prediction: Pakistan to win the 1st ODI.
Key Battles
Babar Azam vs Maheesh Theekshana: Babar’s ability to handle spin will be tested against Theekshana’s variations.
Fakhar Zaman vs Asitha Fernando: Fakhar’s aggressive batting against Sri Lanka’s new-ball attack could shape Pakistan’s start.
Kusal Mendis vs Shaheen Shah Afridi: This contest could be crucial to Sri Lanka’s chances, particularly during the opening overs.
Kamindu Mendis vs Shadab Khan: Both players could influence the middle overs through their batting and all-round contributions.
Final Verdict
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka promises a competitive start to the ODI tri-nation series. Pakistan’s home advantage, batting depth and pace attack make them favourites, but Sri Lanka have experienced players capable of challenging the hosts.
Pakistan appear stronger on paper, although their execution with both bat and ball will determine the outcome.
Predicted Winner: Pakistan
