Pakistan and Sri Lanka walk out at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday afternoon to open the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026, a seven-match tournament also featuring England that runs until October 31. For the hosts, it is the start of a carefully planned home season that doubles up as preparation for the ODI World Cup next year. For Sri Lanka, it is a chance to bounce back after a forgettable run of results across formats.
Shaheen Shah Afridi leads Pakistan in the ODI format, while Kusal Mendis captains the visitors. The two sides know each other well — they have just finished a three-match T20I series on this very ground, which Pakistan won 2-1. The 50-over format, though, is a different examination, and with England waiting in the wings, neither team can afford a slow start.
Match Details: Date, Time and Venue
- Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI — Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026
- Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM PKT (toss at 12:30 PM PKT) — 1:30 PM IST
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Series: Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England); final on October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Squads and Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Sufiyan Moqim.
Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Avishka Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage.
Pakistan probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Sri Lanka probable XI: Avishka Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando.
All eyes will be on Babar Azam, who is under the microscope after a lean patch — four of his 20 ODI centuries have come against Sri Lanka, which makes this the perfect stage for a statement innings. Sri Lanka are without the injured Pathum Nissanka (hamstring) and the unavailable Wanindu Hasaranga, so Avishka Fernando’s recall and the spin of Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage carry extra weight.
Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan have historically held the upper hand in ODI cricket against Sri Lanka, and recent meetings have mostly gone the hosts’ way. The psychological edge currently sits with Pakistan after their 2-1 T20I series win on this ground earlier this month. Sri Lanka, though, have shown they can compete in patches — they pushed Pakistan hard in the T20Is and will fancy their chances if their spinners get early grip.
Pitch and Weather Report
Rawalpindi generally offers one of the better batting surfaces in Pakistan — true bounce, quick outfield, and value for shots through the line. With the new ball there can be a hint of early movement, but as the game progresses under lights the surface tends to flatten out. Dew is often a factor in Rawalpindi day-night games, which usually makes chasing the preferred option. Expect a pleasant October afternoon turning into a cool evening, with minimal chance of rain interrupting play.
Where to Watch: Live Streaming and TV
- Pakistan: PTV Sports and A Sports (TV); Tapmad, Tamasha and PCB Live (streaming)
- India: Sony Sports Network (TV); FanCode (streaming)
- UK: Sky Sports and NOW
- Viewers elsewhere should check their local listings for the tri-series broadcast.
FAQs
When is the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI? The match is on Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM PKT (1:30 PM IST). The toss is at 12:30 PM PKT.
Where is the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI being played? At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The first leg of the tri-series is in Rawalpindi; the second leg, including the final, moves to Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Who is captaining Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series? Shaheen Shah Afridi captains Pakistan in ODIs, and Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka.
Where can I watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live? In Pakistan on PTV Sports / A Sports and Tapmad / Tamasha / PCB Live; in India on Sony Sports Network and FanCode; in the UK on Sky Sports.
Which teams are in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026? Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England. Each team plays the others twice, and the top two meet in the final on October 31 in Lahore.
Conclusion
The tri-series opener sets the tone for Pakistan’s home season. Pakistan start as favourites — home conditions, a settled core, and the momentum of the T20I series win all point their way. But Sri Lanka have nothing to lose and a point to prove after a poor 2026, and in a short tournament, one inspired performance can change everything. Expect a competitive afternoon in Rawalpindi.
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
