The much-awaited ODI tri-series 2026 gets underway today, October 18, as Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the opening match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. England is the third team in the tournament, making it a fascinating seven-match battle running from October 18 to October 31. For Pakistan, this series is about building momentum at home; for Sri Lanka, it is a chance to strike first in conditions that suit their style. With three quality sides involved, the opener sets the tone for the entire tournament.
Tournament Format and Full Schedule
The tri-series follows a simple double-round-robin league format followed by a final. Each team plays the other two twice, and the top two sides on the points table qualify for the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 31.
After today’s opener, Pakistan face England in Rawalpindi on October 20, followed by Sri Lanka vs England on October 22. The action then shifts to Lahore: Pakistan vs England on October 25, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on October 27, and Sri Lanka vs England on October 29, before the final on October 31.
All matches are day-night fixtures. The toss for today’s opener is expected around 12:30 PM PKT, with play scheduled to get underway at 1:00 PM PKT.
Pakistan’s Squad and the New Captaincy Era
Pakistan begin the series under their new ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who leads a squad packed with both star power and fresh talent. The batting core revolves around Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, while the pace attack — featuring Shaheen himself, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf — remains one of the most exciting in world cricket.
The full Pakistan squad for the series is: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim.
The balance of the squad is notable. The spin department, led by Abrar Ahmed and supported by Sufiyan Moqim, gives Pakistan options on turning tracks, while all-rounders like Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan and Arafat Minhas provide the depth modern ODI cricket demands.
Sri Lanka’s Squad and What They Bring
Sri Lanka arrive led by Kusal Mendis, a captain who leads from the front with the bat. Their squad blends experience and variety: Dasun Shanaka provides late-order hitting, Kamindu Mendis offers genuine two-way skill with both bat and ball, and the spin trio of Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage and Sachindu Colombage can be dangerous in Asian conditions.
The full Sri Lanka squad for the series is: Kusal Mendis (captain), Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Avishka Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage.
Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their adaptability. Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando can give them fast starts at the top, while the pace of Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando gives the new-ball attack real bite.
Players to Watch
- Babar Azam (Pakistan): The cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate in the final overs will decide how many runs Pakistan post.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): Leading the side for the first time in a major home series, his new-ball spell with Naseem Shah could be the most decisive phase of the match.
- Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka): Captain and premier batter. If he gets through the first ten overs, Sri Lanka’s innings gains both structure and momentum.
- Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka): One of the most versatile young cricketers in world cricket — a genuine spin-bowling all-rounder who can change a game in either innings.
- Saim Ayub (Pakistan): The exciting opener whose fearless stroke-play at the top gives Pakistan the explosive starts that define winning ODI sides.
Key Battles That Could Decide the Opener
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah vs Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando: The opening ten overs will set the tempo. Pakistan’s left-arm-right-arm combination swings the new ball both ways, and how Sri Lanka’s top order handles the early movement will be crucial.
Maheesh Theekshana vs Babar Azam: Theekshana’s mystery spin against Babar’s methodical accumulation is a fascinating middle-overs duel. Babar has historically been strong against spin, but Theekshana’s variations demand constant respect.
Venue, Pitch Report and Where to Watch
Day-night matches here often see the ball do a bit early on, before the surface flattens out under the lights and batting becomes easier in the second innings. Dew can be a factor in the evening, which often makes chasing an attractive option for the team winning the toss.
Fans in Pakistan should check official broadcaster announcements and the PCB’s confirmed coverage list for television and streaming options before the match begins. Viewers in the UK can follow coverage on Sky Sports and NOW. The toss is expected around 12:30 PM PKT, with the first ball scheduled at 1:00 PM PKT.
With England watching on before they enter the fray on October 20, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka will want to open their campaign with a statement win. Pakistan start as favourites at home, but Sri Lanka’s recent form against them means this is far from a foregone conclusion. Expect a cracking opener to kick off what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining tri-series.
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