Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Match Preview, Squads and Match Details

Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the opening match of the 2026 Pakistan Tri-Nation Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 18. The match begins at 1:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time as both teams look to start their campaign with a victory.

Detail	Information
Match	Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI
Competition	Pakistan Tri-Nation Series 2026
Date	Sunday, October 18, 2026
Start Time	1:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time
Venue	Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Pakistan Captain	Shaheen Afridi
Sri Lanka Captain	Kusal Mendis
Pakistan Win Probability	68%
Sri Lanka Win Probability	32%

Pakistan enter the contest with a 68% win probability compared to Sri Lanka's 32%. Shaheen Afridi will lead Pakistan, while Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka. Both teams have experienced international players and a mix of batting, pace and spin options for the opening ODI.

Fans can follow PAK vs SL live on tapmad for match updates, wickets, runs and scorecard details throughout the contest. Pakistan will look to make the most of their home advantage, while Sri Lanka will aim to challenge the hosts with a disciplined performance.

Pakistan Aim for a Winning Start

Pakistan want to carry the moment and begin their tri-series campaign with a strong performance against Sri Lanka. Their squad features experienced batters, versatile all-rounders and a varied bowling attack, giving captain Shaheen Afridi several options.

Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam provide experience at the top of the batting order, while Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha add further batting options. Hasan Nawaz and Razaullah are also part of the squad, offering additional choices as Pakistan assess their best combination.

Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan bring all-round value with their batting and bowling. Pakistan also have spin options in Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem, while Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf provide pace and wicket-taking ability.

Pakistan's ability to build partnerships and take early wickets could prove important. A strong start with the bat, followed by disciplined bowling, would help the hosts put pressure on Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Look to Challenge Pakistan

Sri Lanka will aim to begin their campaign with a victory against the hosts. Captain Kusal Mendis will play an important role in guiding the batting lineup and managing the team's approach throughout the match.

Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage provide batting options, while Kamil Mishara and Lahiru Udara add further depth. Sri Lanka will need their top order to build a solid foundation and avoid losing wickets in quick succession against Pakistan's pace attack.

Shanaka offers an all-round option, while Kamindu Mendis and Sahan Arachchige can contribute with the ball. Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage and Sachindu Colombage provide spin choices, while Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka add pace to the attack.

Sri Lanka's chances will depend on their ability to handle Pakistan's bowling and maintain pressure with the ball. Strong partnerships and timely wickets could help them challenge the hosts at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan Squad News

Pakistan will be led by left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman headline the batting group, with Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha and Hasan Nawaz providing additional options.

Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan offer all-round skills, while wicketkeepers Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig are included in the squad. Arafat Minhas adds another all-round option with his left-arm spin.

The bowling attack features Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf alongside Shaheen Afridi. Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem provide spin options, while Razaullah adds another pace-bowling choice.

Pakistan have several combinations available across batting, pace and spin. The final playing XI will determine the balance of the side for the opening ODI, with the team aiming to use home conditions effectively.

Sri Lanka Squad News

Sri Lanka will rely on captain and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis to lead the side. Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage strengthen the batting group, while Kamil Mishara and Lahiru Udara offer additional options.

Shanaka provides an all-round option, and Sahan Arachchige can contribute with both bat and ball. Pavan Rathnayake adds another batting choice, giving Sri Lanka further flexibility in their lineup.

The bowling attack includes Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga. Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage and Sachindu Colombage offer spin options.

Sri Lanka will look for a balanced playing XI capable of competing with Pakistan's pace attack and maintaining control during the middle overs. The confirmed lineup will depend on the team's final selection ahead of the match.

Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live on tapmad

Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in the opening ODI of the 2026 Pakistan Tri-Nation Series on October 18 in Rawalpindi. Pakistan will look to use home advantage and start with a win, while Sri Lanka aim to produce a competitive performance against the hosts.

Watch PAK vs SL live on tapmad to follow the action, including runs, wickets, match updates and scorecard details as the contest unfolds at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.