Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Powerplay: Sri Lanka Scored 42/1 in 10 Overs

RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka got off to a steady but cautious start in their pursuit of Pakistan’s commanding target of 306, navigating a testing opening bowling spell in the first powerplay. Chasing a formidable total in the opening fixture of the 2026–27 Tri-Nation ODI Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka scored 42/1 in 10 overs, balancing the need for caution against an aggressive Pakistan pace attack.

Faced with a steep asking rate from the onset, the Sri Lankan opening duo of Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis walked out with a clear mandate to protect their wickets. However, the Pakistani new-ball pair of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah hit the ground running, extracting sharp bounce and subtle movement off the deck. 

The breakthrough for the hosts arrived in the sixth over when Naseem Shah outwitted Avishka Fernando with a delivery that nipped back slightly. Attempting to break the shackles with a forcing shot through the off-side, the Avishka Fernando (5) could only manage a thick edge, which was cleanly snaffled by Faheem Ashraf. 

Following the early blow, skipper Kusal Mendis joined Kamindu Mendis at the crease. The duo opted for a risk-free approach to steady the ship, acknowledging the discipline of the Pakistani bowlers. Rather than matching the explosive boundary-hitting display shown by Pakistan earlier in the day, the visitors focused heavily on strike rotation. 

By the time the fielding restrictions were lifted, the scoreboard confirmed that Sri Lanka scored 42/1 in 10 overs. While the current run rate of 4.20 runs per over sits well below the required rate of over 6.50, the visitors will take solace in the fact that they kept further damage to a minimum during the critical PAK vs SL powerplay phase. 

With nine wickets in hand, the foundation is laid for an intriguing middle-overs tussle as the spin options, Salman Ali Agha and young all-rounder Arafat Minhas, prepare to enter the attack to spearhead Pakistan's slow-bowling department.