The first One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka commenced at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, with Sri Lanka winning the toss and choosing to field first.
Historically, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have clashed in 157 ODIs. Pakistan leads the head-to-head record with 93 victories, while Sri Lanka has won 59 matches. One match ended in a tie, and four concluded with no result.
Pakistan enters the series on the back of a successful home campaign against South Africa, having secured both the T20I and ODI series 2-1, with the Test series ending in a 1-1 draw. Following the ODI series, Zimbabwe will join Pakistan and Sri Lanka for a T20I tri-series, set to begin on November 17. The tri-series will start in Rawalpindi, while the final will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on November 29.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando.
The match promises competitive cricket as Pakistan aims to continue its strong home performance while Sri Lanka looks to counter with its batting and spin attack.
