Pakistan are the favourites in this Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match prediction, with a 55% win probability against 45% for Sri Lanka. The hosts bring home advantage, Salman Agha as the predicted match-winner and a bowling group led by Haris Rauf, while Sri Lanka arrive after a heavy defeat at The Oval. This preview covers the playing XI squads, live streaming, toss, pitch, weather, head-to-head record and fantasy cricket tips before the final verdict at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Details
Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | 1st Match | Pakistan ODI Tri-Series |
Date | 18/10/2026 (Sunday) |
Time | BDT 2:00 PM / PKT 1:00 PM / INR 1:30 PM |
Format | ODI |
Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
Recent performance | Pakistan – W L W L W Sri Lanka – NR A L W L |
PAK vs SL Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026: Live Streaming & Broadcast Info
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Fans can follow the opening match through the regional broadcasters below, and availability depends on location. Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
- Pakistan: PTV Sports (TV), Tapmad / Tamasha (Streaming)
- India: Sony Sports Network (TV), SonyLIV (Streaming)
- Australia & New Zealand: Fox Cricket (Australia)
- USA & Canada: Willow TV
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket (TV), Sky Go / NOW (Streaming)
- Bangladesh: T Sports (TV), Tapmad (Streaming)
- Sri Lanka: Siyatha TV (TV), Sri Lanka Cricket Official YouTube (Streaming)
- MENA: Cricbuzz
- Worldwide: Matches available via Sports Live Hub for global streaming access across regions.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Toss Prediction
Pakistan are predicted to win the toss and bat first. With no reliable word on dew or pitch conditions, the reasoning stays straightforward: if the hosts post 300 or more, they control the match and pile pressure on a Sri Lanka batting unit that folded for just 132 in its previous game.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
No official pitch report was supplied, so this is a cautious read rather than a verified assessment. Pakistan’s predicted 300+ and Sri Lanka’s predicted 290+ point towards a surface where both sides expect to score freely. Pakistan chased 158 in 41.5 overs in Lahore, which shows how quickly a modest target can disappear, so check the toss-time update.
Weather Report
Temperature and dew figures were not provided, so this weather report stays general. With a 1:00 PM PKT start, conditions on the day could shape how comfortable the bowlers and fielders feel, and any interruption would trim the contest. Readers should check a local forecast before the first ball.
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 59 |
PAK Won | 23 |
SL Won | 17 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result / Drawn | 19 |
First-ever Fixture | March 5–10, 1982 |
Most-recent Fixture | July 24–27, 2023 |
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Team Preview & Squads
Pakistan
Shaheen Shah Afridi leads Pakistan and doubles as the key all-rounder, so his influence stretches beyond tactics into the new-ball spell. Recent form of W L W L W is streaky rather than settled, and Pakistan’s last ODI saw them chase 158 against Australia in Lahore, winning by four wickets with 49 balls to spare.
The batting is built around Babar Azam, the key batter, with Salman Agha predicted as the top run-scorer and most sixes hitter. Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz give the batting order real strength, and the team is aiming to post at least 300 when batting first.
Haris Rauf is the key bowler and Abrar Ahmed the predicted top wicket-taker, with Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim among the options. If the spinners and seamers share the workload, Pakistan can squeeze a side that looked fragile at The Oval.
Pakistan Squads
Pakistan Squads
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Ghazi Ghori, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Sufyan Moqim
Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis captains Sri Lanka and is also the key batter, so he must lead by example. The tourists’ recent form of NR A L W L is patchy, and the last result was painful: At The Oval, England posted 355/7, and Sri Lanka were dismissed for 132 in 29.1 overs, handing them a 223-run defeat.
Mendis is predicted to be the top run-scorer and most sixes hitter, and Sri Lanka’s predicted 290+ depends on him. Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka give the order experience, though collapses are the obvious worry after that heavy defeat.
Asitha Fernando is the key bowler and predicted top wicket-taker, while Kamindu Mendis is the key all-rounder. Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage add variety, and early wickets are Sri Lanka’s best route back into the contest.
Sri Lanka Squads
Sri Lanka Squads
Kusal Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Asitha Fernando, Avishka Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage
PAK vs SL Prediction
Event | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
Toss Winner | Pakistan | – |
Player of the Match | Salman Agha | – |
Top Run Scorer | Salman Agha | Kusal Mendis |
Top Wicket Taker | Abrar Ahmed | Asitha Fernando |
Most Sixes | Salman Agha | Kusal Mendis |
Predicted Score | 300+ | 290+ |
Win Probability | 55% | 45% |
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Winning Prediction
Pakistan are the pick to win this opening Tri-Series game with a 55% win probability against Sri Lanka’s 45%, mainly because of home conditions, Salman Agha’s batting and a visiting side coming off a 223-run loss. Sri Lanka can still surprise if Kusal Mendis fires, so keep an open mind. Who will take the opening honours in Rawalpindi? Follow JeetBuzz for more updates, stats and analysis.
FAQ: Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 1st Match
What time does the 1st Match start in IST?
The match starts at 1:30 PM IST on October 18, 2026.
Where can fans in Pakistan watch the match live?
The match is available on to stream live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Who is the key bowler for Sri Lanka?
Asitha Fernando is listed as Sri Lanka’s key bowler for this match.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.