Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 18. The seven-match tournament also features England, with Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi looking to start the campaign with a win on home soil.

Pakistan will enter the competition with a 16-member squad featuring Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha. Sri Lanka, led by Kusal Mendis, will aim to challenge the hosts and begin their campaign on a positive note.

The two teams have met regularly in ODI cricket, and Pakistan will look to make the most of familiar conditions in Rawalpindi. However, Sri Lanka have several experienced players who can challenge the hosts in the opening fixture.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 157 T20 matches, with Pakistan winning 93 games and Sri Lanka securing 59 victories. Four matches ended without a result, while one match was tied.

Kusal Mendis has scored 463 runs in the last 12 months at an average of 51.44, while Asitha Fernando has taken 11 wickets at an average of 47.63. For Pakistan, Salman Agha has scored 450 runs at an average of 50.00, and Haris Rauf has claimed 19 wickets at an average of 19.26.

PAK vs SL Match Preview & Recent Form

Pakistan have a strong batting lineup, with Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub among the options at the top of the order. Babar Azam will provide experience in the middle order, while wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and all-rounders Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan add depth.

Captain Shaheen Afridi will lead Pakistan’s pace attack alongside Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Faheem Ashraf and Razaullah offer further fast-bowling options, while Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, and Sufiyan Moqim provide spin options.

Sri Lanka will rely on captain Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Kamindu Mendis to strengthen their batting. Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake can add depth and acceleration, while Janith Liyanage and Sahan Arachchige provide further options.

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack includes Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga. Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and Sachindu Colombage provide spin options.

PAK vs SL Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where to Watch 1st ODI?

Cricket fans in Pakistan can watch the opening ODI live on PTV Sports HD and A Sports. Digital streaming will be available on the Tapmad app and website, Tamasha, and the official PCB Live platform.

In India, fans can stream the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 on the FanCode app and website. The match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM PKT (3:00 PM IST), with the toss taking place 30 minutes earlier.

PAK vs SL Pitch Report: How Will Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Play?

The pitch at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium usually favours batters, offering good bounce and carry. Batters can play their shots with confidence, making high scores possible. The average first-innings score is around 242, although the total can vary depending on the conditions and the teams’ approach.

Fast bowlers will need to maintain disciplined lines and lengths, using cutters and yorkers to limit scoring. The pitch may offer some movement with the new ball, while spinners could find occasional turn as the match progresses.

Chasing could become easier if evening dew makes the ball slippery and harder for bowlers to grip. However, teams should assess the conditions before deciding whether to bat or bowl first after winning the toss.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ODI Records and Statistics

• Total matches: 31

• Matches won batting first: 12

• Matches won bowling first: 18

• Average first-innings score: 242

• Average second-innings score: 218

• Highest team total: 337/3 (Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2023)

• Lowest team total: 104 (Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 2004)

• Highest successful chase: 337/3 (Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2023)

• Lowest score defended: 206/9 (England vs Pakistan)

• Highest individual score: 188* (Gary Kirsten, South Africa vs UAE, 1996)

• Best bowling figures: 5/20 (Saqlain Mushtaq, Pakistan vs England, 2000)

PAK vs SL Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

According to AccuWeather, Rawalpindi is expected to have mostly sunny conditions on Sunday, October 18, with temperatures reaching around 29°C. The forecast indicates a clear evening and only a 1% chance of precipitation, suggesting minimal risk of rain interruptions.

Conditions should remain suitable for a full 50-over match, with temperatures expected to fall later in the evening. However, dew could affect the ball under the lights and make it harder for bowlers to maintain their grip during the second innings.

PAK vs SL Team News & Squad Updates

Pakistan will be without Sahibzada Farhan for the ODI tri-series. Shaheen Afridi will captain the 16-member squad, which includes Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori.

Sri Lanka have also made a change to their squad. Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out due to a left hamstring injury, and Lahiru Udara has replaced him. Kusal Mendis will lead the side, which also includes all-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage, spinner Sachindu Colombage and seamer Eshan Malinga.

PAK vs SL Predicted Playing 11 Today

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:

Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Salman Agha, Arafat Minhas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

PAK vs SL Key Player Battles to Watch

Fakhar Zaman vs Maheesh Theekshana:

Fakhar Zaman has scored 18 runs off 24 balls against Maheesh Theekshana in ODIs without getting dismissed. Theekshana will look to dismiss him with his variations and dismiss the aggressive opener early.

Dasun Shanaka vs Shadab Khan:

Dasun Shanaka has scored 18 runs off 18 balls against Shadab Khan in ODIs and has been dismissed once. Shadab will look to vary his pace and use his spin to restrict Shanaka's scoring.

Babar Azam vs Dilshan Madushanka:

Dilshan Madushanka has dismissed Babar Azam once in ODIs, conceding eight runs. Madushanka will aim to use his pace and movement with the new ball to trouble the Pakistan batter.

PAK vs SL Key Players to Watch

• Pakistan: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Agha

• Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis, Lahiru Udara, Dilshan Madushanka