Pakistan and Sri Lanka Set to Open ODI Tri-Series

Pakistan and Sri Lanka were scheduled to open the 2026 ODI Tri-Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 18, with England also competing. The match was presented as an early opportunity for the teams to test their combinations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the available coverage does not establish a result. Pakistan enter the fixture after winning their recent T20I series against Sri Lanka 2-1. Sri Lanka won the final match of that series by eight wickets, according to the match previews. The switch to 50-over cricket presents a different challenge for both sides as they seek a strong start in the three-team tournament. Pakistan’s ODI side is led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman among the batting options. Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed provide pace and spin choices. Pakistan also recently won a 2-1 ODI series against Australia, according to one preview, and will play the opening match at home. Sri Lanka are captained by Kusal Mendis, with Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka among their batting options. The reports differ on the status of opener Pathum Nissanka: some say he was ruled out with a...