Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI 2026 – Tri-Series Match Preview, Date, Time, Venue & Live Streaming
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face each other in the opening match of the Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series 2026. The first ODI of the tri-series will be played on 18 October 2026 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
England are the third team in the tri-series. Each team will play the other two teams twice before the top two teams qualify for the final.
| Match | 1st ODI – ODI Tri-Series 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 18 October 2026 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Toss | 1:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Format | One Day International – 50 Overs |
| Pakistan Captain | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Sri Lanka Captain | Kusal Mendis |
| Tri-Series Teams | Pakistan, Sri Lanka & England |
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Preview
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI will officially begin the 2026 ODI tri-series in Pakistan. Both teams will be looking to start the tournament with a winning performance.
Pakistan will have home conditions on their side, while Sri Lanka will aim to challenge the hosts with their experienced batting and bowling attack. With England also part of the competition, every match will be important for qualification to the final.
Pakistan ODI Squad
Sri Lanka ODI Squad
Players to Watch
Babar Azam: The experienced Pakistan batter will be one of the major attractions in the opening ODI and will be expected to anchor Pakistan's batting.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistan's captain and left-arm fast bowler will lead the bowling attack and look to make an early impact.
Kusal Mendis: Sri Lanka's captain and wicketkeeper-batter will be a key player for his team in the series opener.
Pathum Nissanka: The Sri Lankan opener can play an important role in giving his team a strong start.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tri-Series Schedule
| 1st ODI | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 18 October – Rawalpindi |
|---|---|
| 2nd ODI | Pakistan vs England – 20 October – Rawalpindi |
| 3rd ODI | Sri Lanka vs England – 22 October – Rawalpindi |
| 4th ODI | Pakistan vs England – 25 October – Lahore |
| 5th ODI | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – 27 October – Lahore |
| 6th ODI | Sri Lanka vs England – 29 October – Lahore |
| Final | Top Two Teams – 31 October – Lahore |
Where to Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI?
Fans should check their regional broadcaster and official streaming platform for live coverage of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI. Live scores, ball-by-ball commentary and complete scorecards will also be available through major cricket platforms.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Match Details
| Teams | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Match | 1st ODI |
| Date | 18 October 2026 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Toss | 1:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Format | ODI – 50 Overs |
| Series | Pakistan, England & Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series 2026 |
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI 2026 promises to be an exciting start to the ODI tri-series. Pakistan will look to use home advantage, while Sri Lanka will aim to begin the competition with a major victory. With England waiting in the tournament, both teams will be eager to collect valuable points from the opening match.