Table of Contents
Pakistan will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the first match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on 18th October at 1:30 PM IST in the ODI Tri Series in Pakistan.
Get the best PAK vs SL Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 1st match of the ODI Tri Series in Pakistan 2026. Expert analysis and more.
Hot Picks for PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
Kusal Mendis – Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 5,160 runs in 159 ODIs, including 7 centuries and 36 half-centuries. His highest score of 143 highlights his ability to build substantial innings while maintaining an attacking approach. |
Babar Azam – Consistency has defined Babar’s ODI career, with Pakistan’s right-handed batter accumulating 6,626 runs in 143 matches. His record features 20 centuries and 38 fifties, while his personal best remains 158 against England. |
Top Picks:
Salman Ali Agha – Combining middle-order batting with right-arm off-spin, Salman has recorded 1,551 runs and 20 wickets in 52 ODIs. His highest score of 134 and best bowling figures of 4/32 demonstrate his value as an all-rounder. |
Dasun Shanaka – Shanaka has contributed 1,299 runs and 27 wickets across 71 ODIs for Sri Lanka. The right-handed batter and medium-pace bowler offers flexibility in both departments, with a highest score of 108 not out. |
Budget Picks:
Dunith Wellalage – Wellalage’s ODI career includes 519 runs and 45 wickets in 37 matches. Sri Lanka benefit from his left-handed batting and left-arm orthodox spin, while his best bowling figures of 5/27 underline his wicket-taking potential. |
Haris Rauf – Pakistan’s right-arm fast bowler has claimed 107 wickets in 59 ODIs, with best figures of 5/18. He has also contributed 108 runs with the bat, but his primary strength remains his pace and ability to take wickets. |
PAK vs SL ODI Tri Series in Pakistan 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
Captain | Kusal Mendis & Babar Azam |
Vice-Captain | Salman Ali Agha & Dasun Shanaka |
PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keeper – Kusal Mendis ©
- Batters – Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman
- All-Rounders – Dasun Shanaka, Salman Ali Agha (VC), Shadab Khan, Kamindu Mendis, Saim Ayub
- Bowlers – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga
PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keeper – Kusal Mendis
- Batters – Babar Azam ©
- All-Rounders – Dasun Shanaka (VC), Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Kamindu Mendis, Saim Ayub
- Bowlers – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Dunith Wellalage, Haris Rauf, Eshan Malinga
PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1 ODI Tri Series in Pakistan 2026 Players to Avoid:
Players | Dream11 Credits | Dream11 Points (Last match) |
Hasan Nawaz | NA | NA |
Lahiru Udara | NA | NA |
PAK vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1 ODI Tri Series in Pakistan 2026 Expert Advice:
SL Captaincy Choice | Kusal Mendis |
GL Captaincy Choice | Babar Azam |
Punt Picks | Dunith Wellalage and Haris Rauf |
Dream11 Combination | 1-2-5-3 |
PAK vs SL Match Preview:
Pakistan will kick off the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 against Sri Lanka on 18 October at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, with the match scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST. England complete the three-team competition, which runs until 31 October. Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain Pakistan, while Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka. Both teams will aim to open their campaigns with a victory and build early momentum in the 50-over format.
Pakistan have plenty of experience in their batting lineup, with Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub expected to play important roles. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf add valuable all-round options, while Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig provide wicketkeeping choices from the announced squad. Pakistan also possess a varied bowling attack featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will rely on Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka and Dunith Wellalage to deliver with both bat and ball. However, Pathum Nissanka’s participation remains dependent on his fitness, so his availability will need confirmation before the match.
Pakistan could gain an early advantage if Shaheen and Naseem exploit movement with the new ball and put Sri Lanka’s top order under pressure. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka have the batting quality to respond, particularly through Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis, while Shanaka and Wellalage offer useful all-round contributions. Spin could also shape the middle overs, with Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan giving Pakistan additional options, while Maheesh Theekshana and Sachindu Colombage strengthen Sri Lanka’s spin resources. Ultimately, Pakistan will look to use their pace advantage, whereas Sri Lanka must build partnerships and manage the opposition’s bowling threats effectively. A strong start could prove crucial for either side.
Also Read: Pakistan players want Category C deals as PCB set to revamp Central Contracts
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Record:
Teams | Matches Won |
Pakistan | 93 |
Sri Lanka | 59 |
PAK vs SL Weather & Pitch Report:
Temperature | 30°C |
Weather Forecast | Sunny |
Pitch Behaviour | Batting-friendly |
Best Suited To | Pace |
Average 1st innings score | 336 |
Record of chasing teams:
Records | Good |
Winning % | 60% |
PAK vs SL Playing 11s (Predicted):
Pakistan Playing 11:
1) Sahibzada Farhan ©
2) Maaz Sadaqat
3) Babar Azam
4) Ghazi Ghori (wk)
5) Salman Agha
6) Arafat Minhas
7) Abdul Samad
8) Shadab Khan
9) Shaheen Shah Afridi ©
10) Haris Rauf
11) Abrar Ahmed
Sri Lanka Playing 11:
1) Pathum Nissanka
2) Kamindu Mendis
3) Kusal Mendis (c & wk)
4) Pavan Rathnayake
5) Charith Asalanka
6) Janith Liyanage
7) Dunith Wellalage
8) Sachindu Colombage
9) Eshan Malinga
10) Asitha Fernando
11) Dilshan Madushanka
PAK vs SL Match Winner Prediction:
Based on the team composition, Sri Lanka is expected to win this match.
