Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan in the opening ODI of the tri-nation series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The Pakistan Sri Lanka tri-series opener launches Pakistan’s home ODI campaign in the seven-match tournament, which also features England.
Pakistan named a full-strength 16-member squad led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf all included. Wicketkeepers Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig are the two glovemen in the squad, which also features Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Razaullah and Sufiyan Moqim.
Sri Lanka, led by Kusal Mendis, field a 16-member squad including Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga and Lahiru Udara.
Pakistan Sri Lanka tri-series opener: head-to-head and form
Pakistan hold a dominant head-to-head record against Sri Lanka in the 50-over format. The two sides have faced each other in 160 ODIs, with Pakistan winning 96 matches and Sri Lanka securing 59 victories. One match ended in a tie, while four produced no result.
Pakistan have won three of their last four ODI series since 2025, recording victories against South Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia. Their only series defeat during this period came in an away three-match series against Bangladesh.
The Green Shirts will be confident heading into the opening match after recently defeating Sri Lanka 2-1 in the T20I series. Pakistan’s aggressive approach after the series-opening T20I win set the tone for that triumph, and the hosts will look to carry the momentum into the 50-over format.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have won just one of their last five ODIs and will be eager to bounce back. Having lost the T20I series, the Islanders will look to avenge that defeat and begin their ODI campaign on a positive note.
Tri-series with an eye on the World Cup
The series carries extra significance with the ODI World Cup on the horizon. Shaheen Shah Afridi has said Pakistan are firmly focused on the tri-series with an eye on the World Cup, and the captain will want his side to make a strong start in Rawalpindi.
Off the field, the series has already generated debate after Atherton and Hussain were left out of the PCB’s commentary panel following their interview with Imran Khan’s sons. Pakistan will host England and Sri Lanka in the seven-match series, with Kusal Mendis leading Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad.
Pakistan’s recent ODI form reads W, L, W, L, W, most recent first, while Sri Lanka’s reads L, W, L, A, NR.
Source: Geo Super
What happened at the toss in the Pakistan-Sri Lanka tri-series opener?
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan in the opening ODI of the tri-nation series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
What is Pakistan’s head-to-head record against Sri Lanka in ODIs?
The two sides have played 160 ODIs. Pakistan have won 96, Sri Lanka have won 59, one match ended in a tie and four produced no result.
Who is captaining Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the tri-series?
Shaheen Shah Afridi captains Pakistan’s 16-member squad, while Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad.
