Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026, Match 1: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Included unlimited replays
Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026, Match 1: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Tri-Series Opener in Rawalpindi: Following the completion of their recent T20I encounters, the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 officially gets underway at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as hosts Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in Match 1! Featuring England as the third nation in this marquee 50-over tournament, Babar Azam's Men in Green look to launch their ODI campaign with a dominant home performance against Charith Asalanka's Lions. Stream every powerplay boundary, key wicket, and live scorecard directly on Willow by Cricbuzz via TrillerTV.
High-Stakes Opening Match in Rawalpindi Match 1 kicks off the prestigious three-nation ODI event in Rawalpindi, where building substantial top-order foundations, setting up middle-overs spin controls, and handling late-afternoon pace reverse swing will determine who claims the early advantage on the tournament table.
For Pakistan, captained by superstar batter Babar Azam, transitioning from short-format tactics to structured 50-over accumulation is key. Supported by core match-winners-including Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah-the hosts aim to establish immediate dominance in front of their home supporters.
For Sri Lanka, skippered by Charith Asalanka, exploiting new-ball movement and relying on middle-order stability remain essential. Powered by key performers-including Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, and spin leader Maheesh Theekshana-the Lions look to make a strong statement in the series opener.
Squads & Key Players
Pakistan ODI Squad Core Lineup / Key Performers: Babar Azam (C), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Baig (wk), Arafat Minhas, Sufiyan Muqeem
Tactical Focus: Solid top-order anchors led by Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, middle-overs all-round control via Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha, and lethal pace combination of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.
Tactical Focus: Aggressive early powerplay accumulation from Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis, finger-spin controls led by Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, and left-arm pace swing from Dilshan Madushanka.
Pitch & Weather: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium offers a traditional high-scoring surface with true bounce and fast outfield speed. Seamers extract subtle early movement with the brand-new ball before the track flattens out into an excellent batting deck. Clear, pleasant autumn weather around 25°C expected throughout the match.