Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in the opening match of the ODI tri-series in Rawalpindi on Sunday, October 18, 2026, as both teams look to improve their performances ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The tri-series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England, provides an important opportunity for all three teams to assess their squads, test different combinations and build momentum with less than a year remaining before the World Cup, scheduled to begin on October 2, 2027.
Sri Lanka Aim to Build on Recent Victory
Sri Lanka enter the contest looking to regain consistency after a difficult year in international cricket. The team has struggled to produce regular wins in 2026, prompting selectors to continue searching for a reliable combination in white-ball cricket.
Their recent T20I victory over Pakistan, however, offered some encouragement. Captain Kusal Mendis played a significant role, scoring an unbeaten 87 off 48 deliveries, while Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers also delivered an improved performance.
Although Pakistan had already secured the T20I series before that match, Sri Lanka will hope the result provides confidence heading into the ODI competition.
Lahiru Udara is another player to watch. The 32-year-old impressed during the recent T20I series and could have an opportunity to strengthen his position in the ODI side. With Pathum Nissanka unavailable for the ODI matches because of an ongoing hamstring problem, Udara could play an important role at the top of the batting order.
Avishka Fernando is also a possible inclusion as Sri Lanka consider changes to their opening combination.
Pakistan Look to Continue Strong Performances
Pakistan arrive with encouraging results, including a 2-1 ODI series victory over Australia. Their bowling attack played a major role in that success, with Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed among the players who made important contributions.
Young left-arm spinner and lower-order batter Arafat Minhas also attracted attention after earning the Player of the Series award against Australia. He claimed seven wickets at an average of 12.28 and continued to contribute with the ball during the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Babar Azam will be another key figure for Pakistan. His performances against Australia included scores of 40, 16 and 69, providing encouraging signs after a relatively modest run in 2025. With Rawalpindi expected to offer favourable batting conditions, Babar will have an opportunity to build further momentum.
Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub could open the innings, while Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan are expected to provide important contributions through the middle order.
Shaheen Afridi will lead Pakistan in the tri-series and is likely to be central to the team’s bowling plans.
Possible Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Ghazi Ghouri (wicketkeeper), Arafat Minhas, Shaheen Afridi (captain), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper), Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige/Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana.
These are possible line-ups, and the final teams will depend on selection decisions and conditions on match day.
Rawalpindi Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium surface has generally been considered favourable for batting. The relatively short boundaries could help batters score quickly, making partnerships and effective bowling at the death especially important.
The weather forecast indicates generally fine conditions, with temperatures expected to remain in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius. The conditions should provide a good opportunity for an uninterrupted match, although teams will assess the pitch before making their final decisions.
Why the Tri-Series Matters
The competition offers Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England valuable preparation ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Pakistan will aim to use home advantage and their recent ODI success to build confidence, while Sri Lanka will look to settle their batting order and establish a dependable bowling combination.
For Sri Lanka, performances from Kusal Mendis, Lahiru Udara and the bowling attack could prove particularly important. Pakistan will rely on Babar Azam’s experience, Shaheen Afridi’s leadership and the emerging talent of Arafat Minhas.
With both teams looking to establish consistency, the opening ODI in Rawalpindi promises to be an important early test in their World Cup preparation.
