Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series in PAK, 2026

OUT! RAUF HITS TIMBER TO END THE GAME! Skiddy length ball, on the off-stump line. Asitha Fernando makes room to guide it down to deep third, but the ball zips through off the pitch and rattles the poles. Sri Lanka are dismissed for 268. Pakistan win by 37 runs.

Slower full ball at the stumps. Asitha Fernando makes room and drills it uppishly to deep cover for a single.

Slower length ball, around off. Asitha Fernando plays and misses.

Banged short, on the middle stump line. Asitha Fernando looks to pull but misses.

FOUR! How has that missed the stumps? Yorker length ball at the stumps. Asitha Fernando makes room to drive but ends up squeezing it past the left of the keeper for a streaky boundary.

Short of a length delivery, follows the batter outside the leg stump. Asitha Fernando backs away and gets a thud around the left shoulder.

Short of a length delivery, around off. Asitha Fernando looks to upper cut but misses.

Skiddy length ball, around off. Dilshan Madushanka plays and misses again. Sri Lanka need 43 off 18 balls.

Back of a length, around off. Dilshan Madushanka has a poke at it and gets beaten.

Full pitcher, on off. Asitha Fernando drags it toward long on for one.

Good length ball on middle-leg stump. Madushanka backs away and bunts that down to sweeper for a single with an open bat face.

Short of a length, around off. Left alone.

Yorker length ball at the stumps. Asitha Fernando gets the bat down in time and squeezes it toward short fine leg for one.

Yorker length ball on off. Dilshan Madushanka bunts it back to the bowler.

Dilshan Madushanka is the last batter for Sri Lanka.

OUT! RUN OUT! Another one bites the dust. Fuller than a length at the stumps. Asitha Fernando drags it toward mid on and looks to take a single. Malinga is late to respond, and both the batters are stranded on the bowler's end. Malinga goes past Asitha to complete the run as the throw comes at the keeper's end, who does the rest. Nine down now.

Asitha Fernando is in at number 10.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Naseem bowls a back of a length delivery in the channel, just outside off. Sachindu Colombage has a tentative poke at it, away from the body. Gets a feather of an edge, and Saad Baig does the rest behind the stumps. Sri Lanka lose their eighth.

Fuller than a length, around off. Eshan Malinga tries to thrash through covers but ends up hitting off the toe end toward deep third for one.

Good length, wide of off. Sachindu Colombage cuts it toward deep backward point for one.

On a length, wide outside off. Malinga cuts it through the backward point region for a single.

LEG BYE! Sliding in, full and around leg. Malinga tries to flick it but misses. The ball hits his front pad and rolls down to backward square leg for a leg bye. Sri Lanka need 49 off 30 balls.

Skiddy, length ball around off. Eshan Malinga looks to cut but misses.

Short of a good length, around off. Eshan Malinga cuts and finds the man at short extra cover.

A low full toss at the stumps. Eshan Malinga knocks it past the bowler toward mid off.

Eshan Malinga walks in at number 9.

OUT! TAKEN! The last recognized batter is gone now! Fuller than a length on off. Dasun Shanaka looks to launch it over long on but ends up hitting off the cue end, goes toward long on where Babar Azam takes a simple catch. The visitors are seven down now.

A low full toss at the stumps. Dasun Shanaka flicks it toward the gap at cow corner for a couple.

WIDE! On a length, down the leg. Dasun Shanaka plays and misses. Wide signaled.

Short of a good length, around off. Sachindu Colombage has a poke at it and gets beaten.

Fuller than a length at the stumps. Sachindu Colombage gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.

Sachindu Colombage walks in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! LIYANAGE PICKS OUT BABAR AZAM! Full and angled into the middle-stump line. Janith Liyanage plays a half-hearted loft, chips it toward long-on, where Babar Azam comes in from the ropes and takes a fine catch. An excellent knock from Liyanage ends on 60. Sri Lanka lose their sixth.

Back of a length, angled into the middle. Janith Liyanage looks to pull but mis-times it into the leg side.

Fuller than a length at the stumps. Janith Liyanage makes room and lifts it off the slice toward the deep backward point region for a couple of runs.

Fuller than a good length, angled into the middle. Janith Liyanage stays deep in the crease and hits it powerfully down the pitch, hitting the stumps at the bowler's end.

On a hard length, at the stumps. Dasun Shanaka defends it toward short mid on.

Back of a length, on middle. Janith Liyanage pulls it toward deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short of a good length, around off. Dasun Shanaka taps this in front of the backward point fielder for a single. 250 comes up for Sri Lanka.

Full and on the leg. Janith Liyanage flicks this to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Pace off, on a length, on off. Janith Liyanage punches it toward the man at short extra cover.

On a length, on off. Janith Liyanage stabs it toward the man at point.

FOUR! Put away! Full pitcher on the leg. Dasun Shanaka clips it through the gap at backward square leg and finds the ropes in a flash.

Back of a length on off. Janith Liyanage tuck-pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Pitched full, on off. Janith Liyanage drives it toward short cover.

Fuller than a length on off. Janith Liyanage drives it toward mid off and a fumble from the keeper in collecting the ball allows the double.

Back of a length on off. Dasun Shanaka knocks it past the man at short mid-wicket for a single.

Full pitcher on off. Dasun Shanaka chips it over mid off for a couple of runs.

Short and wide outside off. Dasun Shanaka cuts it away toward deep cover point for one.

Tad short, around off. Janith Liyanage cuts it toward backward point for a single.

FOUR! Fifty for Janith Liyanage! Flighted full at the stumps. Janith Liyanage shimmies down and slams it past the bowler and down to long on for a powerful boundary.

Flatter arm ball, on the leg. Dasun Shanaka nudges it through square leg for a single.

SIX! Punished! Fraction short, on the middle and leg. Dasun Shanaka rocks back and sends it sailing over the deep mid-wicket fence for a 76m hit.

Short, on off. Janith Liyanage pulls it toward long on for one.

We move into the final 10 overs now. Sri Lanka need 82 more off 60 balls. Also, Pakistan can now have an additional fielder out in the deep if they desire.

FOUR! Much needed for the Lankans. Full of a good length and outside off, Dasun Shanaka leans into the drive and strokes it past the cover fielder and the ball speeds away to the fence.

Good length at the stumps, tucked away neatly to the left of mid-wiket for a quick single.

Oh, nearly another wicket for Ashraf. Pace off, pitched up to the batter. Janith Liyanage leans on to drive but the ball holds in the deck, and Liyanage ends up chipping it well over a leaping Salman Agha at extra cover for a couple of runs.

The dots are piling up and Sri Lanka are under pressure now. Good length outside off, hit away from the crease and straight to the fielder at point.

Bashed into the deck, on a hard length and angled into the batter. Liyanage gets cramped up and flicks it away to the mid-wicket fielder.

Just back of a length, straighter in line. Liyanage hops to the off side and dabs it down to mid-wicket.

Just two runs off the over, excellent stuff from Minhas. Nagging length, tossed a bit wide of the off stump. Shanaka hangs back and pushes it down to point.

Slow and short on middle, sits up a bit. Liyanage backs away and scythes it towards deep cover for a run.

Flighted up on off, drifting it back on. Liyanage steps out to drive but gets an inside edge onto the back leg.

Good length at the stumps, hit away from the crease and down to long on for a single.

Flighted up at the stumps, Dasun steps out a bit before nudging it across to mid-wicket.

Nicely looped up, landing it on middle, doesn't turn much. Shanaka watchfully defends.

Pitched up outside off, Liyanage leans across an blocks it off the outside edge down to the left of backward point.

Back of a length, angled into the hips. Shanaka tucks it down to deep backward square leg for a run.

Length ball on off and middle, Shanaka blocks it off.

FOUR! Off the mark in style. Short ball, angling down leg. Dasun Shanaka moves inside the line, lifts up one leg and pulls it down to fine leg for a boundary.

Dasun Shanaka is in at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT! A soft, soft dismissal, and Pavan Rathnayake will be livid himself. Faheem Ashraf bowls a regulation length ball, around the top of off, but this one just holds in the pitch. Rathnayake lunges and punches it gently, nurdling it into the hands of Salman Agha at short extra cover. Salman makes no mistake and the in-form batter has finally been dismissed. 96 needed now off 76 balls.

Good length around off, eased away towards cover.

FOUR! Was that a catching opportunity? Hit really hard, but the reaction from Arafat Minhas says that it indeed was a chance, albeit a really tough one. Tossed up outside off, Janith Liyanage dances down the track and powers it just a couple of feet above the ground and back past the bowler for a boundary. Minhas dove across to his left, maybe a bit too far and the ball went quickly to his right.

Quicker and flatter, angled into middle and leg. Janith rocks back and stabs it back to the bowler.

Nagging length, sliding back into the stumps. Rathnayake stays back and turns it behind square leg for one more run.

Yet another single. Full and straight, Liyanage steps out and nearly yorks himself but manages to toe end it down to long on, turning the strike over.

Flighted up, drifted into the legs. Rathnayake plays it with a straight bat, easing it through mid on for one more.

Angled in with the arm, on middle and leg. Liyanage hops back and jams it down to long on for a single.

Short of a good length, Liyanage gets behind the line of the ball and just bunts it to the on side for a quick single.

A bit short and a bit wide outside off. Liyanage reaches for it and smacks it to the left of deep point for a couple of runs. 200 UP FOR SRI LANKA.

Tap and run. Hard length over middle, Rathnayake stays leg side of the ball and nudges it to the left of the cover fielder, picking up a quick run.

The in-between length, on off and middle, darting it in a bit. Rathnayake solidly blocks it off.

Back of a length and wide outside off, Liyanage moves to the off side and loosk to cut but gets an outside edge down to deep third for one more.

Ashraf comes back on and begins with a fullish ball, sliding it into the pads. Rathnayake clips it wide of square leg and picks up a single.

A boundary and then five straight singles, easy 9 runs off the over. Floated up around off, pushed away through mid off for a run. 110 needed now off 90 balls.

Tossed up on off, Janith steps out and punches it down to long off, milking another single.

Flighted up outside off, Rathnayake leans on and reaches for it, smothering it behind point for yet another single.

Good length on off, darts back in a bit off the deck. Liyanage stays upright and jabs it out through covers for a run.

Floated up on off, eased away down to long off for a single.

FOUR! Valiant effort in the deep from Saim Ayub, but it goes in vain, and the 100-run stand is up between these two as well. Fractionally short on middle and leg, Rathnayake picks the length early, rocks back and wallops the pull wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Bowled from around the wicket, on a dragged length and outside off. Liyanage plays it off the back foot and to the fielder at point.

Much fuller on off, Liyanage leans on to drive it straight but gets more of an inside edge and the ball rolls back down the pitch.

FOUR! The short ball hasn't worked out for the Pakistani skipper. Short and on leg, it doesn't get up all that high. Liyanage gets inside the line and helps it down to fine leg for a boundary.

A bit fuller and pushed across the right-hander. Rathnayake backs away and opens the bat face, hitting it towards deep point for just another single.

Short and angled into the batter, Liyanage hops inside the line and half-pulls it to the left of deep backward square leg for a run.

Pitched up on off stump, Rathnayake plays a high-elbow drive, hitting it wide of mid off for a quick single.

Good length on off, played from deep inside the crease, and punched towards deep cover for one more. 126 needed now off 102 balls.

Tossed up on middle, Liyanage stape out a bit and eases it down to long on for a single.

Another dot ball. Full again, on off, dug out towards cover.

Nice and full, at the stumps and drifting in. Janith Liyanage leans on to drive but ends up inside-edging it onto the front pad.

Floated up on the stumps, Liyanage jams it out.

Fullish length around off, this one turns away with extra bounce. Rathnayake stays back and low, tapping it wide of backward point, where Fakhar Zaman dives to his right and makes the stop. Single taken.

Short-pitched delivery, over off and middle, and around shoulder height. Janith Liyanage swivels and pulls it away in front of square on the leg side for a couple of runs. 15 from the over, a big one for Sri Lanka.

Pitched a bit further up and attacking the pads, Liyanage dabs it down to the on side.

A rib-tickler from Shaheen now, and Rathnayake nurdles it behind square on the leg side for a single.

SIX! Even better! Afridi persists with the short ball, bowling it over middle now. Rathnayake stands tall and nails the pull over deep backward square leg for another biggie.

SIX! That's flown over the ropes. Short-pitched delivery, over leg stump. Pavan Rathnayake picks the length early and swats the pull and gets it over the backward square leg fence for the first six of the chase.

On a length, getting the ball to slant from leg to middle. Rathnayake stays back and taps it down into the off side.

Pushed through flatter again, on middle and leg, Liyanage stays back to defend.

A bit more flighted and sliding into the legs, Rathnayake clips it through square leg and rotates strike.

Flatter one sliding into the pads, Janith stays back and tucks it behind square leg for a single.

Short and a bit wide outside off, there to be hit. Liyanage hammers it straight to the cover fielder.

A stifled appeal for LBW, but that's going down leg. The arm-ball, darts back in sharply. Liyanage gets pegged back and the ball thuds into the pads.

FIFTY up for Pavan Rathnayake, a very well-fought knock, but there's still a lot more to do. Floated fuller on middle and leg, Rathnayake leans on and eases it down to long on for a single.

Back of a length, and this is hit away off the back foot to sweeper cover for a single. Rathnayake moves to 49 now.

Naseem Shah hits the deck hard and bowls it around the top of off. Rathnayake punches it sweetly but straight to cover.

Good length again, in the channel outside off, Rathnayake gets forward and drives it away but the fielder at square cover makes a good stop to his right.

Good length, attacking the stumps this time. Rathnayake stays leg side of the ball and blocks it in front of cover.

A juicy half-volley, wide outside the off stump. Rathnayake lunges across and drills the drive to the right of sweeper cover, and races back for the second run. Good running.

Short of a length, over off stump. Rathnayake plays a short-arm jab off the back foot and gets it between mid on and mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

DRINKS! Well then, Pakistan were well ahead in the contest when that 4th wicket fell, but since then, Janith Liyanage and Pavan Rathnayake have stitched together a fine stand and are doing well to keep Sri Lanka in the hunt. Still, with 152 runs needed off 126 balls and 6 wickets in hand, it is a tough ask for Sri Lanka, as they only have one more proper batter to come after Liyanage and Rathnayake. A lot hinges on this stand for the away team, and Pakistan will try to break this stand at the earliest.

A string of three dots to end the over. Pushed into the pads from wider on the crease, and Liyanage tucks it across to mid-wicket.

Back of a length, landing it around the fifth-stump line. Liyanage hangs back to defend.

Just full of a good length, on off and angling back in. Liyanage gets halfway forward and stbs it out toward mid on.

WIDE! Too short and wide outside off, left alone for a wide.

Excellent running. Dug in shorter and at the batter, Janith Liyanage pulls it away through the square leg region and races back for the second run.

Shorter in length, just outside off. Rathnayake rocks back and punches it down through covers for a single.

FOUR! Sheer timing, and up comes the 150 for Sri Lanka. A leg-stump half-volley, clipped away sweetly by Rathnayake and through the gap at mid-wicket for a boundary.

The length is dragged a bit short, and this is pushed well wide. Rathnayake squats down a bit and slashes it down to deep third for a single.

A touch fuller on off, jagging back in off the deck. Rathnayake stays solid in defence.

Hard length again, closer to the off stump, and blocked off by Rathnayake.

Shah keeps beating the outside edge of the bat every now and then. Bowled with an upright seam, hitting the deck and getting it to seam away with some extra bounce. Rathnayake has a poke at it but the ball breezes past the outside edge.

Pitched up on off, slanting back in. Liyanage gets forward and drives it with a straight bat, just to the right of the stumps at the other end, and picks up a single.

Back of a length, in and around off. Liyanage looks to play it off the back foot but gets hurried a bit and awkwardly spoons it in front of mid off.

A slight fumble, and the batters do well to pinch a quick single here. Good length, just outside off. Liyanage punches it to point, where the fielder fumbles and allows the batters to cross over.

Bashed in on a hard length and outside off, Rathnayake backs away and smacks it down through point for one more.

Pitched up wide of the off stump, creamed off the front foot but towards sweeper cover for just a single.

Ashraf bowls it fuller and angles it into the stumps, Liyanage moves a bit inside the line and hits it straight to mid on.

Hard length on off, punched away uppishly towards extra cover for a quick single. The 50-run stand is up between these two as well, off just 43 balls.

FOUR! Edged away. Length ball on off, angles in, and then seams away. Pavan Rathnayake gets squared up and gets an outside edge that goes through the vacant slip cordon and races to the deep third fence.

Shah pulls the length back a bit, serving the ball in the corridor of uncertainty. Liyanage leaves it alone.

FOUR! Overpitched and punished! Too full and outside off, looking to swing it away. Liyanage leans across and creams it wide of mid off for a boundary.

Full and straight, Janith Liyanage looks for the straight drive but ends up jamming it off the inside half of the blade to wide mid on.

Good length, attacking the top of the stumps. Liyangae blocks it off.

FIVE WIDES! A length ball, starts of the stumps and swings down leg, past the diving keeper and into the fine leg fence.

Fuller in length, on off and middle. Liyanage jams the drive back to the bowler.

This is pitched up at the stumps, straighter in line. Janith Liyanage drives it down to mid on.

Slower through the air, floaty delivery at the sticks. Pavan Rathnayake pushes it back to Saim Ayub. Sri Lanka are 127/4 at the halfway mark in the chase.

Loopy delivery, just outside off. Pavan Rathnayake blocks it toward the man at point.

Tossed up full, around off. Pavan Rathnayake shimmies down and drives it to the man at short cover.

Tad short, around off. Janith Liyanage punches it toward deep cover for a single.

Floats it up full, on off. Pavan Rathnayake advances and eases it to long off for one.

FOUR! Top shot! Looped up full, just outside off. Pavan Rathnayake uses his feet and drills it through extra cover for a cracking boundary.

FOUR! Much needed for Sri Lanka. A short ball on the middle stump line. Janith Liyanage looks to hook but gets a top edge toward the fine-leg region for a streaky boundary.

Fuller than a length on off. Driven to the man at mid off for a quick single.

On a hard length, on off. Janith Liyanage punches it back to the bowler.

Short of a length delivery on middle. Janith Liyanage flat-bats the pull toward the deep square leg region for a brace.

Fuller than a length, around off. Pavan Rathnayake strokes it toward deep cover point for one.

Back of a length delivery on middle. Pavan Rathnayake swivel-pulls it toward the fine leg region, where Minhas makes a fine diving stop and keeps it to a couple.

Flatter on off. Punched down to long off for one.

FOUR! Punished! Drops it short, on off. Pavan Rathnayake goes back and smashes the pull toward deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Flighted full, just outside off. Pavan Rathnayake strokes it to the man at short cover.

Looped up on off. Pavan Rathnayake bunts it back to the bowler.

Flatter carrom ball, outside off. Pavan Rathnayake punches it toward deep extra cover for a couple.

Flatter off-break, sliding into the middle and leg. Janith Liyanage punches it down to long on for one.

Short of a good length, around off. Pavan Rathnayake punches it toward the man at short cover.

Back of a length on the middle and leg. Pavan Rathnayake tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple.

Keeps it on a length, at the stumps. Janith Liyanage taps it in front of mid-on for a single.

On a length, on off. Janith Liyanage defends from the crease.

Fuller than a length, around off. Pavan Rathnayake knocks it toward mid off and dashes for one.

Back of a length, around off. Janith Liyanage punches it through covers for one.

FOUR! Nicely done! Fraction short, outside off. Pavan Rathnayake plays it late and cuts it through the backward point region for a boundary.

Tossed up on the middle and leg. Liyanage eases it to long on for one.

Flighted on middle. Janith Liyanage pushes it back to the bowler.

Tossed up around off. Driven to sweeper cover for a single.

Fuller, on middle. Pavan Rathnayake prods and defends.

Tossed up full, on off. Pavan Rathnayake defends forward.

Good length delivery on off. Janith Liyanage defends it down the track.

Short of a good length and around off. Liyanage gets behind the line and blocks it.

Short of a length, angling away just outside off. Janith Liyanage sways out of the line and lets it go.

Janith Liyanage walks in at number 4.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Shaheen Afridi strikes. Good length, angling in before shaping away just enough off the seam. Sahan Arachchige gets forward to defend from the crease but is squared up, feathering an outside edge through to the keeper. Saad Baig makes no mistake behind the stumps, pouching a sharp catch. Sri Lanka are four down and in trouble.

Short of a good length again, some extra bounce, and zips through around off. Sahan Arachchige has a poke at it and gets beaten.

Short of a good length, on off. Pavan Rathnayake taps it in front of the man at point for a single.

Flatter, around off. Pavan Rathnayake punches this toward deep cover for a single.

Fuller, on middle. Sahan Arachchige gets across and paddles this to fine leg for a single.

Short and outside off. Cut away to deep point for a single.

Flatter on the middle and leg. Pavan Rathnayake nudges it toward the deep mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

Quicker arm ball, on the middle and leg. Pavan Rathnayake knocks it toward short mid-wicket.

Flatter on off. Sahan Arachchige gets across and paddles it to fine leg for a single.

Back of a length, on the middle and leg. Sahan Arachchige drops into the leg side for a single.

Sahan Arachchige walks in at number 5.

OUT! SOFT DISMISSAL FOR KAMINDU MENDIS! Fuller than a length, just outside off. Kamindu Mendis looks to chip it over mid off, but it comes off the toe end and goes straight to Faheem Ashraf inside the circle, who takes a simple catch. Kamindu's knock ends on 44. Sri Lanka are three down.

FOUR! Glorious! Fuller than a length at the stumps. Kamindu Mendis drives it uppishly past the bowler and down the ground for a lovely boundary.

Fuller than a length, around off. Kamindu Mendis mistimes the drive to the man at short cover.

Short of a length, outside off. Kamindu Mendis gets on top of the bounce and slaps it toward the deep extra cover region for two more.

Full pitcher, angling down the leg. Kamindu Mendis clips it down to fine leg and a bit of misfield from Zaman allows the double.

Flat good length, around off. Kamindu Mendis cuts this to deep cover for a single.

Tossed up on off. Pavan Rathnayake eases it to long off for a single.

Flatter arm ball, down the leg. Pavan Rathnayake crouches low to hack it away but misses.

On a length, on the middle, and leg. Kamindu Mendis nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Flatter on off. Kamindu Mendis turns it toward short mid wicket.

Tad short, on the middle and leg. Kamindu Mendis pulls it through the square leg region for a couple.

Arafat Minhas comes into the attack for the first time today.

Good length delivery at the stumps. Pavan Rathnayake defends from the crease.

Short of a good length, on the middle. Pavan Rathnayake gets on top of the bounce and defends into the on-side.

Faheem lands it full and moves it away around off. Pavan Rathnayake looks to drive but is beaten.

Fuller than a length, at the stumps. Pavan Rathnayake on drives it toward wide of mid on.

Lands it on a length and wide outside off. Pavan Rathnayake cuts it away toward the deep cover region for a couple of runs.

On a length, nips back into the off-stump line. Pavan Rathnayake looks to drive forward but gets comprehensively beaten on the inside edge.

Pitched full, on off. Pavan Rathnayake pushes it through the gap at cover point for a single.

Back of a length, just outside off. Pavan Rathnayake rides the bounce and steers it toward backward point.

Peach from Rauf! Short of a good length, angling in, and shapes away late to beat the outside edge of Pavan Rathnayake.

Fuller than a length on off. Pavan Rathnayake eases it toward mid on.

Jaffa! A good length delivery, just outside off. Pavan Rathnayake pokes at it but is beaten by the late movement away from him.

On a length, around off. Kamindu Mendis punches it to deep point for a single.

Fuller than a length, shaping away around off. Pavan Rathnayake lets it go.

DRINKS! Sri Lanka have made a decent start in their chase of 306, but they will need to build solid partnerships to stay in the hunt. Kamindu Mendis will be a key figure in their pursuit, while Pakistan will look to strike at regular intervals and maintain control of the game. Also, Pavan Rathnayake is the new batter at the crease.

OUT! CAUGHT! FAHEEM ASHRAF GETS THE LANKAN SKIPPER! Short of a good length, wide outside off. Kusal Mendis looks to carve it through the backward point region, but fails to keep it down. Hits it straight to Saim Ayub at backward point, who takes a good catch. He will be relieved, as he dropped Kusal a couple of overs back. The visitors lose their second.

FOUR! Put away in style! Back of a length, on middle. Sits up nicely for Kusal Mendis, who pulls this through mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

Short of a good length, on off. Kamindu Mendis taps through covers for a single.

Short of a good length, just outside off. Kusal Mendis knocks into the off side for a single.

Short of a good length, on middle. Kusal Mendis blocks it from the crease.

Back of a length, hits the bat hard, on the middle stump line. Kamindu Mendis defends into the off side.

On a length, at the stumps. Kamindu Mendis defends it down the pitch.

FOUR! Up and over! Short ball, on off. Kamindu Mendis hangs back and guides it over the keeper for a cheeky boundary.

Fuller than a length at the stumps. Kamindu Mendis drives and finds the man at mid on.

Short of a good length, around off. Kusal Mendis guides it toward deep third for a single.

Back of a length on off. Kusal Mendis rides the bounce and guides it toward the backward point fielder.

Short of a good length, shaping away around off. Kusal Mendis covers the line and guides it toward deep third for a single.

WIDE! On a length and nipping away around off. Kusal Mendis leaves it alone. Wide signaled.

Short of a good length on the middle and leg. Kusal Mendis looks to work it across the line but gets a soft leading edge into the cover region.

LEG BYE! Back of a length, on the leg. Kamindu Mendis tucks it toward fine leg for a leg bye.

Fuller than a good length, on off. Kamindu Mendis punches it past the bowler and down the ground for two more.

Back of a length on the leg stump. Kamindu Mendis tucks it through backward square leg for a couple.

WIDE! Short of a good length, down the leg. Kamindu Mendis lets it go. Another wide.

WIDE! Faheem Ashraf starts with a length ball down the leg. Kamindu Mendis plays and misses. Wide signaled by the umpire.

On a length, angled down the leg. Kamindu Mendis tucks it away to fine leg for a single.

DROPPED! Short of a good length, skiddy delivery, around off. Kusal Mendis punches it straight to Saim Ayub at backward point, who puts down the chance. Single taken by the batters.

Short of a good length, around off. Kamindu Mendis punches it toward deep point for a single.

WIDE! Banged in short, just outside off. Kamindu Mendis sways out of the line and lets it go. Wide signaled.

Back of a length, around off. Kusal Mendis runs it down to deep third for a single.

On a length, at the stumps. Kusal Mendis defends it toward short cover.

Full pitcher, on off. Kusal Mendis drives it back to Rauf.

The first Powerplay is done. Sri Lanka are a bit behind on the scoring rate, and they now need 264 runs off the remaining 40 overs. Also, the field can now spread, as a maximum of 4 fielders are now allowed outside the inner ring.

Shorter now, sliding into the pads, tucked away through square leg for one.

Another ripper from Shah. Immaculate length, just outside off and getting the ball to shape away after angling in. Kusal Mendis has a feel for it outside his off stump but the ball just goes agonizingly past the outside edge.

Attacking the front pad this time, Kamindu clips it to mid-wicket and scampers across for a quick run.

Full of a length, angled across off. Kaminu gets his front leg across and drives on the up, but finds the fielder at cover.

A bit shorter, angled into the body. Mendis dabs it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Beauty! Full of a good length, angled into middle, before shaping. Kusal Mendis is squared up and the ball beats the outside edge, catching Kusal high on the pads.

Length ball outside off, tapped away into the off side for a single.

Pitched up again, at the stumps, hit away off the inside half of the blade and back onto the stumps at the other end. Kamindu Mendis has to again turn back quickly and dive to make his ground incase of a deflection off the bowler's hand.

Oh, that could have been catastrophic for Sri Lanka. Pitched fuller on off, Kusal Mendis leans on and spoons it away to cover, setting off for a single. Kamindu Mendis responds quickly and is off his haunches, but Kusal realizes that there's no run there and sends Kamindu back, who dives in to make his ground.

Good length, in the channel and darting back in. Kusal Mendis stays back to defend.

Better line. A bit fuller and outside off, getting the ball to nibble away a bit as well. Kusal defends it with soft hands, to the left of backward point, where it is well-stopped.

FOUR! That's a wayward start by Rauf. Wider on the crease, angled down leg, and Mendis just tucks it down to the right of the fine leg fielder and picks up a boundary.

Haris Rauf comes in to replace Shaheen Afridi now.

Just back of a length and outside off, Kamindu crunches it on the bounce and straight to the point fielder. Only one run off that over.

A rib-tickler now, helped down to fine leg for a single. There is a slight misfield by Faheem Ashraf but it doesn't result in an extra run.

Another fine outswinger, make it four dots in a row in this over. On off and middle, shaping away, Mendis covers the line well and keeps it out.

That's a peach! Smidge fuller of a good length, angled in towards the off stump, but then it leaves the right-hander sharply. Kusal ends up playing inside the line.

Much fuller now, wider too and seaming away again. Kusal lets it go through to the keeper.

Full of a good length, seaming away beautifully from off and middle. Kusal Mendis watchfully defends.

Extra bounce now! Short of a good length, over off and angling back in. Kamindu rises up and manages to keep it down on the off side.

Pitched up outside off, pushed in but getting the ball to move away. Kamindu Mendis makes a watchful leave.

This is slanted back into the pads, Kusal Mendis misses the flick and the ball goes off the pads to short fine leg for a leg bye.

Hard length on leg stump, nudged away with gentle hands in front of square leg.

Full and outside off, a bit of an exaggerated movement on offer as the ball goes sharply across the right-hander. Kusal leaves it alone.

That's a good take from the keeper. Bashed into the deck, short and seaming away a mile from the off stump. Mendis ducks and the keeper Saad Baig springs to his right to take it with one hand.

WIDE! Hammered in on a good length but spilled down the leg side for an extra.

Kusal is off the mark. Length ball on the pads, flicked away into that gap at mid-wicket for a single.

The ball's darting off the seam a fair bit at the moment. A bit full and wide outside off, Kusal leaves it alone but the ball seams away late and goes to the right of the keeper.

Full of a good length, Kusal Mendis gets on the front foot to defend.

The Lankan skipper, Kusal Mendis, is in next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Wow, great presence of mind from Faheem Ashraf, and he saves Saad Baig from the blushes. Naseem Shah bangs it in shorter now, over middle and at an awkward height. Avishka Fernando gets all cramped up and just jabs at the pull, ending up getting a top edge towards backward square leg. The keeper runs after it and the fine leg fielder comes in. It is the keeper, Baig, who tries to take it with the gloves on and lunges ahead but the ball bobbles out and somehow lands straight into the clutches of Ashraf. A bizarre catch, but Fernando has to walk back.

FOUR! Naseem errs in line, darting it into the pads. Fernando gets inside the line and helps it down to the right of the fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Good-length delivery, in and around off. Fernando gets onto the front foot and blocks it to cover.

Excellent bowling. Fuller in length, darted into the stumps. Mendis stays compact and clips it to mid-wicket.

A slight halt in play as one of the zing bails doesn't seem to be lighting up. The fourth umpire is out to get it replaced.

A fourth straight dot after the boundary, good comeback by Afridi. Full of a good length and outside off, shaping it away a bit, and Mendis shoulders arms at it.

Bowled from a bit wider on the crease, spearing it in towards middle stump. Kamindu Mendis shows the full face of the bat and blocks it straight back, hitting the stumps at the other end.

Good length in the channel, holding its line. Mendis leaves and the ball carries through nicely to the keeper.

Stellar timing again, but can't find the gap this time. Pitched up wide of the off stump, driven a bit squarer and to the left of Babar Azam at cover, and he makes a good stop.

FOUR! Glorious from Kamindu. Pitched up, full and shaping away from off. Mendis leans on and opens the bat face a bit, creaming it between mid off and extra cover for a boundary.

A review wasted here! Naseem Shah seemed certain that there was an outside edge on this one, but technology confirms otherwise. On a good length, wide outside off and shaping away. Fernando throws the hands at it but the ball zips past the outside edge. The keeper gathers it low in front of him and there's a big appeal for caught behind from the bowler. The umpire says no, but eventually, Shaheen Afridi does send it upstairs. UltraEdge shows that there's no outside edge, and it stays Not Out.

Much better. Full and outside off, seaming away from the right-hander. Avishka Fernando plays a loose drive away from the body and is well beaten.

FIVE WIDES! Shah gets a bit overconfident now as he looks to make the ball swing from leg to off but ends up spraying it well down the leg side.

A bit straighter now, worked away off the pads and down to fine leg for a single.

This one goes the other way! Lovely bowling. Slightly pitched up, darting it across the left-hander. Mendis throws his hands at it and gets beaten.

FOUR! Was there a nick? Yes, as it's not been given as leg byes. Good length on off, threatening to swing back in, but this one holds its line. Kamindu Mendis looks to flick but gets an edge that brushes the pads and moves sharply to the left of the keeper, running into the fence.

Back of a length, on a tighter line around off and angling back in. Mendis presses back and punches it down to extra cover.

Short of a good length, wide outside off and this is slashed away down to deep third for one more. 7 off the over.

Dug in short and around the ribs, Avishka Fernando moves inside the line and helps it on the bounce to fine leg for a single.

Full and straight, swinging back in a bit, and this is eased back past the bowler for a single.

No run, that is punched off the back foot but straight to the fielder.

2 runs, that is defended off the back foot to the off side for a couple.

2 runs, the batter is on the front foot and has driven this through point for a couple of runs.

No run, that is defended solidly off the front foot.

No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

On the shorter side, tucked away off the legs and down to fine leg for a single.

Oh, just short! Pitched up in the channel, Kamindu Mendis pushes at the drive and ends up chipping it just short of the man at mid off.

Hard length, darting back in sharply. Mendis looks to flick but is rushed and gets an inside edge high onto the pads.

On a good length, a hint of movement back into the left-hander as well. Mendis solidly blocks it off.

Naseem Shah to operate from the other end.

A dot to end, and 4 runs come off first over. Full and outside off, angling away. Avishka Fernando leaves it alone.

WIDE! Full and spraying it well down leg. There's some swing but it will be a wide.

Pitched up wide outside off, Mendis opens the bat face and glides it through backward point for a single.

Nice and full, just outside off, and angling in. Mendis looks to drive but ends up getting an inside edge onto the pads.

Fairly full and on off, swinging it away. Kamindu Mendis confidently gets onto the front foot and drives it straight to mid off.

Full of a good length, in the channel and nibbling away. Mendis watchfully defends it behind point.

Sloppy work from Fakhar Zaman and Sri Lanka get off the mark with a couple. Full and outside off, looking to swing it away from the left-hander. Kamindu Mendis leans on and strokes it straight to point, where the fielder lets it through his hands and concedes two runs.

OUT! RAUF IS RUN OUT! That will be that, and Pakistan end with 305 on the board. A low full toss at the stumps, Shaheen Afridi smacks it down to long on for a run, but he wants the strike and sets off for the second run which is never on. Sahan Arachchige picks up the ball and fires it in towards the bowler. Eshan Malinga collects it well and whips off the bails with Haris Rauf nowhere in sight. Pakistan are all out with one ball remaining in the innings.

Excellent change-up! A sharp bumper now, over middle and leg. Shaheen Afridi is taken by surprise and is rushed on the pull as the ball sails over his blade.

Through the legs! Another leg-stump yorker and Malinga gets it sot-on. This is right at the toes, and Afridi looks to whip it leg side but misses ad gets nut-megged.

That's a good comeback delivery. A yorker, right at the toes. Afridi digs it out wide to the left of the bowler and opts against the single.

FOUR! The skipper is on the charge. Full and straight, it ends up being a juicy full toss. Afridi stays deep and flat-bats it straight down the ground for a boundary.

Bowled from around the wicket, angled in towards middle and leg. Rauf backs away and swings across the line but gets another inside edge onto the pads, and the ball rolls to the off side.

Pitched full and around off, Shaheen Afridi stays deep and goes for the lofted shot but slices it wide of mid off for a single. 300 UP FOR PAKISTAN.

Full and straight, landing it perfectly in the blockhole. Afridi manages to dig it out through square leg and he races back for the second run.

FOUR! That's swung away perfectly in the gap. Full and straight, not quite yorker-length. Afridi keeps the front leg out of the way and whips it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Also, Shaheen Afridi has called for a change of bat, not quite sure why.

Over the wicket now, spearing it in full towards the off pole. Afridi backs away a bit and jams it firmly to mid off once again.

Full and outside off, slanted across the left-hander from around the stumps. Afridi drills it straight to mid off.

Sri Lanka are now penalized for a slow over rate and they will have one less fielder out in the deep.

Malinga spears one in full and straight, Rauf backs away to swing it leg side but gets a big inside edge onto the back leg. Top over from Malinga.

Very full and just outside off, tailing back in a bit. Haris Rauf digs it out to extra cover.

Oh, another appeal for LBW, and again it's turned down. Kusal Mendis does review it, but this one seems more in hope. Full and straight from Malinga, slanted well into the pads. Haris Rauf gets pushed back as he tries to flick and misses, wearing it on the pads. Malinga knew that it was sliding down leg, and Ball Tracking shows the same. No Hat-trick!

Haris Rauf is the last batter in, and he'll be facing the hat-trick ball.

OUT! LBW! Excellent review by Sri Lanka, and that's two wickets in two balls for Eshan Malinga. Malinga pitches it up on off and middle, and gets the ball to tail back in sharply. The length isn't all that full but Naseem Shah gets pegged back and is beaten all ends up. The ball beats the inside edge and thuds into the front pad. There's a big appeal, but the umpire turns it down. It is reviewed and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds, sending Shah back for a golde duck.

The next batter is Naseem Shah.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! A third wicket for Eshan Malinga as well, and Pakistan are crumbling at the death, and are in danger of even falling short of the 300-run mark. Malinga goes full and wide outside off, angling it further away. Faheem Ashraf plays away from the body and ends up getting an outside edge through to the keeper. Kusal Mendis makes no mistakes with the gloves on and Pakistan are now 293/8.

A slingy delivery, angled down leg, Shaheen Afridi tucks it off the pads to the right of short fine leg and picks up a single. It is given as leg byes.

Full and speared in at the toes, Shaheen Afridi leans on and clips it down to long on for one. Asitha Fernando finishes with 3/59 off his 10 overs.

Shaheen Afridi walks out to bat next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Sri Lanka are pulling things back nicely at the death, and this wicket could make a huge difference. Asitha Fernando goes searching for the toe-crushing yorker and just misses his length a bit. Salman Agha is able to take the front leg out and get under it, but he lifts it down to long on, where Dasun Shanaka takes a simple catch. End of a stellar knock from Salman, and Pakistan are 291/7.

On the money from Fernando. Yorker-length on off, landing it almost right on the popping crease. Ashraf jams it off the inside edge and through backward square leg for just one more.

Slower one at 106.9 kph, full and wide outside off. Salman lunges across and shovels it down behind square leg for just one more.

Good length on middle and off, hitting the deck hard. Ashraf stays back and punches it down to long on for a single.

Asitha gets away with one here. A full toss on the pads, Ashraf whips it off the inside edge and down to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Full, on middle and leg, getting it to reverse a bit. Agha takes the front leg out and lifts it down the ground, not with stellar timing, picking up a couple of runs.

Pitched up outside off, driven on the up and through cover-point for just one more.

Pace off again, short and wide too. Salman Agha throws his hands at it, slashing it up and over point for just a single.

A slower bumper, dug in well short and well wide of the off stump. Wide given.

Dug in short and at the batter, pulled down to fine leg for a single.

Full again, just outside off, and this is jammed away through covers for a single.

Slanted just down leg, very full too. Salman is quick to shuffle to the off side and go for the lap but misses, and no wide is given either.

Faheem Ashraf walks in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! MINHAS PICKS OUT THE FIELDER! Pitched full, on off. Minhas makes room and looks to slice it over backward point, but Kamindu Mendis there, times his jump to perfection, and takes a sharp grab. Pakistan lose their sixth.

A low full toss, follows the batter outside the leg pole. Salman makes room and hits it down to long on for one.

Yorker, on off. Minhas squeezes it toward long on for a single.

Pitched full, at the stumps. Salman bunts it down to long-on for one.

HUNDRED FOR SALMAN AGHA! Two in two! A low full toss around off. Salman looks to drive, but gets an outside edge that rolls toward the third-man region for another boundary. Salman removes his helmet and gets the applause from the crowd.

FOUR! Whipped away! A low full toss on the pad. Salman flicks it toward the gap at the cow corner region for a boundary.

A low full toss at the stumps. Salman clips it through square leg for a single.

FOUR! Nicely done! Short of a good length, outside off. Salman carves it through the gap at backward point and short third for a clever boundary.

Slower and shorter, on off. Minhas flat-bats it past the bowler toward long-on for one.

FOUR! Lucky! Short ball, on off. Minhas looks to pull it away but gets the top edge, and it flies over the keeper for a streaky boundary.

Slower length ball on off. Salman drags the pull shot through mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! Belted! Full and at the stumps. Salman makes room and drills it hard through extra cover for a powerful boundary.

LEG BYE! Full pitcher on the leg. Salman misses the flick, and it rolls off the pad toward backward square leg. A big appeal from the bowler for LBW is turned down. Sri Lanka take the review. The replay shows no inside edge onto the pad. The ball tracker shows it as clipping the leg pole, and the on-field decision of NOT OUT will stay. Leg bye taken.

Slower ball on the full, outside off. Salman slices the drive to the man at backward point.

Short of a length delivery on off. Minhas pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full and in the blockhole. Salman bunts it down to long on for one.

Bowls it full and just inside the tramline on the off side. Salman lets it go.

Yorker at the stumps. Minhas bunts it past the bowler. Down the ground for one. 250 comes up for the hosts.

Pitched up on off. Minhas plays a punchy drive to mid off for a single.

Slower and shorter delivery on off. Salman pulls this toward deep square leg for a single.

Full and straight at the stumps. Salman bunts it to mid-off.

Short of a length delivery, around off. Salman looks to upper-cut but misses.

FOUR! Over the top! Full pitcher, at the stumps. Salman picks it up early, lifts it over mid off and collects the boundary.

Fuller than a length, on off. Salman drives it uppishly toward the man at mid-off.

Full and down the leg. Salman flicks this to fine leg for a single.

Slower length ball around off. Dabbed toward short third fielder for none.

Back of a length, on off. Minhas pulls it toward deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full pitcher, at the stumps. Salman pushes it to deep mid on for a single.

Slower length ball at the stumps. Minhas nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Full and at the stumps. Salman knocks it down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings. Banged in well short and just outside off. Minhas waits back before just ramping it over the keeper's head for a boundary. 13 off the over.

An appeal for LBW, but it is turned down as there seemed to be an inside edge on it. Full and angled in at the toes, the ball reverses a bit and drifts further into the pads. Agha flicks it down to fine leg for a single.

SIX! Pumped over long off. Slower delivery, pitched up in the slot outside off. Salman Agha lays into it and hammers it over long off for a clean six.

Yorker-length, pushed wide of the off stump. Agha goes after it but ends up dragging it back towards the bowler.

Length ball, cutting back in towards the left-hander's off pole. Arafat Minhas gets an inside edge down to fine leg for a single.

Good length wide outside off, Salman extends his arms and slaps it down to sweeper cover for a single.

Quicker one into the pitch, darted into the batter. Salman Agha rocks back and smacks it down to long on for a single.

Tosed up around leg stump, fairly full and Minhas just nudges it to the left of mid-wicket for a run.

Flighted delivery on off stump, Minhas just leans ahead and plays it back to the bowler.

Flatter delivery outside off, punched off the back foot to deep cover for a single.

WIDE! Full of a length, hugging the tramline outside off and turning away a bit. Left alone by Agha.

FOUR! Fuller and straighter, Salman Agha sits down and sweeps it away nicely behind square leg for a boundary. Agha has been prolific with that shot.

A bit short and wide, Salman Agha goes hard at it but fails to connect, getting beaten past the outside edge.

A good short ball, just outside off and angling away. Arafat Minhas lets it through to the keeper.

1 run, the batter goes deep in the crease and guides it through third man for a single.

Back of a length and outside off, hit away off the back foot to backward point.

Short and outside off, hit away firmly and towards deep point for a single.

Arafat Minhas walks out to bat next.

OUT! CAUGHT! Timely breakthrough for Sri Lanka, and the 97-run stand is broken. Asitha Fernando bowls a heavy short ball, angling it into the batter. Hasan Nawaz is cramped for room but tries to go through with the pull and ends up hitting it flat and just over the head of the mid-wicket fielder. Pavan Rathnayake reacts quickly and leaps up to cling on to a sharp catch with both hands.

WIDE! A well-directed bumper, over middle and right at the batter, but this one ends up sailing through to the keeper. Wide given for height and the keeper isn't pleased.

Pace off from Asitha, around the top of off. Agha stabs it down to deep third and rotates strike.

Fuller now, at the stumps, heaved away wide of long on for a couple of runs.

Nawaz just can't get it through the off side at the moment. Fractionally short and flirting with the tramline outside off. Nawaz smacks it down without any timing to cover-point.

Fullish length, wide outside off again. Nawaz reaches for it and angles it straight down to short third again.

WIDE! Quicker and flatter, well wide of the off stump, and left alone by Nawaz.

SIX! Ball striking of the highest order. A bit too full and on middle, right in the slot. Hasan Nawaz clears the front leg, goes down on one knee and slogs it well over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

A bit fuller and outside off, turning away. Nawaz goes back and dabs it straight to the short third fielder.

Pushed through, on a length and sliding it in towards off and middle. Nawaz pushes it out to cover.

Slower bumper, around off, Nawaz swivels a bit and chips the half pull in front of deep mid-wicket for a single. 10 off that over.

Good length, angled wide of the off stump. Agha waits well before tapping it down to the left of the diving backward point fielder for a single.

Hard length on the pads, Agha looks to flick but gets more of an inside edge to the short mid-wicket fielder.

FOUR! That's poor bowling. Slower ball, a bit short and at the batter. With no mid-wicket in place, Agha just swipes across the line and gets it down to the vacant fence for a boundary. 200 UP FOR PAKISTAN.

On the shorter side and wide outside off, this is slapped away wide of the deep third fielder for a couple of runs more.

The overthrow will allow Salman Agha to get back for the second run, and he brings up his FIFTY as well. Hard length around off, pushed down to the right of point for a run. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but fires it wide and it results in an extra run.

SIX! Spoils the over completely for Sachindu Colombage. Tossed up on middle and leg, Hasan Nawaz clears the front leg and swings through the line, whacking it towards the sight screen for a biggie. Pakistan are 194/4 after 35 overs.

That's nicely bowled. Salman sets up to play the scoop, and Colombage bowls it straighter at the stumps. Salman adjust and just taps it to square leg for a single.

A bit fuller and outside off, dabbed away to short third for a quick single.

Good length, drifted into the pads again. Nawaz rocks back and works it to backward square leg.

Sliding it just down the leg side, Nawaz gets a bit tucked-up and fails to flick it away, wearing it on the pads.

Colombage sees Nawaz advancing and drags the length back, bowling it flatter and at the batter. Nawaz has to adjust and blocks it off.

We are past the 34-over mark, which means Sri Lanka will get to choose one of the two balls in play to use for the rest of the innings.

Flighted delivery around off, Salman lunges ahead and covers the line, smothering across to short mid-wicket.

Dragged length on off, darting it across. Nawaz jabs it down to mid off and scampers through for a quick single.

Tossed up on off, worked away through mid-wicket for a single now.

FOUR! For a moment, it seemed like Eshan Malinga had it, but eventually, the ball sneaks through. Flighted up outside off, Salman Agha lunges across and drags the sweep down to the right of deep square leg for a boundary.

Fired in around leg stump, trying to cramp the batter for room. Agha stays back and dabs it down behind square leg.

Bowled from around the wicket, full and at the legs. Salman Agha whips it away between deep mid-wicket and long on for a couple of runs.

Sahan Arachchige is now introduced into the attack.

Back of a length and wide of the off stump. Nawaz hops up and taps it down to backward point.

WIDE! Banged in halfway down the pitch and over middle, sailing over the batter's head.

Short ball over leg, Agha controls the ball down to fine leg and turns the strike over.

Full of a good length, around the fifth-stump line. Salman leans on and drives it away to the right of sweeper cover and picks up a couple of runs.

Hard length, in that channel just outside off. Nawaz presses back on his toes and runs it down to deep third for one more.

Back of a length and outside off, Agha stays back and pats it down through short third for a single.

Salman misses out on a freebie, and you can see the frustration on his face. A juicy full toss on off, and with mid off and extra cover inside the ring, Agha fails to go over and just punches it down to mid off.

Flighted delivery on off, not all that full and this one grips a bit. Hasan Nawaz lunges and smothers it away to cover-point.

A bit fuller, on middle and drifting in. Nawaz gets well forward to defend.

Flatter again, drifted into the pads. Salman stays back and just nudges it 'round the corner on the leg side for a quick single.

Good length on off, blocked off by Agha.

Salman looks well set and is playing the percentage game, finding gaps to pick up those doubles regularly. Flatter and outside off, dabbed away past the short third fielder for another brace.

Tossed-up delivery, wide outside off. Salman Agha leans on and powers it wide of deep cover for a couple of runs. The 50-run stand is now up betwen these two.

Sachindu Colombage (6-0-31-0) is back on.

A single to end, and Pakistan get 7 easy runs off the over. Another short ball, this time over middle and leg, and angling in. Salman pulls it through backward square leg and picks up a single.

Banged in short and at the batter, Agha heaves the pull to the left of deep square leg and gets back for a couple of runs more.

Asitha shortens the length, bowling it a bit wider of the off stump. Nawaz gets on his toes and steers it down to deep third for another single.

Short of a good length, just outside off, and dabbed down to deep third for a single.

Back of a length, in and around off, rising on the batter. Salman Agha manages to keep it down on the off side.

Sweetly timed. Hard length wide outside off, Salman runs it off the face of the blade, getting it to the left of deep point for a couple of runs. Good work in the field as well, as the ball was racing across the turf.

Back of a length on the middle and leg. Nawaz rides the bounce and drops into the leg side. Pakistan are 160/4 after 30 overs.

On a length, at the stumps. Nawaz defends it down the track.

FOUR! Streaky, but Nawaz will take it. Banged in short, on the middle-stump line. Nawaz looks to take on the hook, but gets the top edge that flies over the keeper for a lucky boundary.

On a hard length, on off. Nawaz stabs it to the man at backward point.

Fuller than a length, at the stumps. Nawaz gets forward and defends it to short cover.

Fuller than a good length, outside off. Salman dabs it down to deep third for one.

DRINKS! After the dismissals of well-set batters Babar and Baig in the middle overs, Salman and Nawaz will look to rebuild the innings and steer Pakistan towards a competitive total. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will aim to keep the pressure on by taking regular wickets and maintaining control of the game.

Short of a length, angled down the leg. Salman swivel-pulls it toward long leg for a single.

Back of a length, wide outside off. Salman throws his hands, looking to slash it away, but misses.

On a hard length, on off. Salman steers it toward the man at backward point.

Bowls it short, on the middle stump line. Salman sits under it and lets it pass.

Short of a good length, around off. Dabbed down to deep third for a single.

Back of a length, around off. Nawaz gets on top of the bounce and punches it to the left of the backward point fielder.

Short of a good length, around off. Salman rides the bounce and steers it past the left of the backward point fielder for a couple.

Goes short, on the middle and leg stump line. Salman ducks under it and lets it go.

On a length, on off. Nawaz dabs it toward backward point, and a fumble allows the single.

Short of a length delivery, around off. Nawaz looks to ramp it over the keeper but misses.

On a length, around off. Salman cuts it toward deep third region for a single.

On a length, on off. Salman defends forward.

Tossed up full, on the middle and leg. Nawaz gets forward and pushes it toward point.

Flatter, around off. Nawaz dabs it late to short third.

FOUR! Hammered! Tossed up full, outside off. Nawaz has drilled it through covers for a cracking boundary.

Looped up on the middle and leg. Salman whips it toward deep mid-wicket for three runs.

Tossed up on off. Salman presses forward in defence.

Flatter on the leg. Nawaz works it toward deep square leg for one.

Back of a length, around off. Nawaz gets on top of the bounce and steers it toward deep third for one.

Short of a length, angling away from the batter around off. Left alone by Nawaz.

On a length, around off. Dabbed down to third man region for one.

IN THE AIR BUT FALLS SAFELY! Short ball, on the off-stump line. Nawaz looks to pull initially, but the ball gets big on him and he miscues it toward backward square leg. Falls in no man's land and they take one.

Short of a good length, around off. Salman chops it toward deep third for a single.

On a length, on off. Nawaz taps this in front of the backward point fielder and dashes for a single.

FOUR MORE! Easy pickings! Full and sliding down the leg. Salman sweeps it past the diving short fine-leg fielder for another boundary. Pakistan are 136/4 at the halfway mark.

FOUR! BANG! A low full toss on off. Salman crouches low and hammers it toward deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

NO BALL! Tossed up on off. Driven down to long-off for one. No ball from Kamindu Mendis. Free hit to follow.

Flatter, around off. Nawaz blocks it toward point.

Flighted around off. Pushed into covers.

Looped up on off. Nawaz defends forward.

Tossed up on the middle and leg. Salman works it through mid-wicket for one.

Kamindu Mendis comes into the attack.

Slower ball yorker, just outside off. Nawaz squeezes it into the off-side.

On a hard length, at the stumps. Nawaz knocks it toward mid-on.

Back of a length again, on off. Nawaz gets on top of the bounce and drops it toward the man at point. He was looking for the single, but Salman sent him back.

Back of a length on the middle and leg. Nawaz hops and drops into the on-side.

On a hard length, at the stumps. Nawaz defends from the crease into the off-side.

WIDE! Short ball, just outside off. Nawaz gets out of the way and lets it go. Wide signaled.

Leg bye! Length ball on the leg. Salman misses the flick and rolls off the pad toward backward square leg.

Nawaz charges down the track to a full delivery on the pad and whips it off the inner half toward backward square leg.

Tossed up at the stumps. Nawaz defends it to short cover.

Fuller, on the middle and leg. Salman works it toward wide of long on for one.

Flatter, at the stumps. Salman defends from the crease.

Floated full, on off. Nawaz pushes it past the short cover fielder for a single.

Tossed up full, around off. Salman eases it to sweeper cover for one.

Full pitcher, almost a yorker at the stumps. Nawaz bunts it through wide of mid-on for a couple to get off the mark.

Hasan Nawaz walks in at number 6.

OUT! SAAD BAIG HOLES OUT! Malinga bowls it short, on the middle stump line. Baig looks to take it on, but gets the top edge on the pull, it goes toward fine leg, where Colombage completes the catch. Baig goes for 39. Pakistan are four down.

Leg lined length ball. Salman turns it toward square leg and dashes for a single. Puts the dive and makes his ground.

Short of a length delivery, around off. Salman sways out of the line and lets it go.

On a hard length, on off. Salman defends it toward backward point.

Good length and around off, defended it down to the right of short third.

Looped up at the stumps. Baig pushes it back to Colombage. 11 runs off the over.

Flatter on off. Baig knocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Glorious! Tossed up full, on off. Baig stays deep in the crease and creams the drive through the gap at extra cover and mid off for a lovely boundary.

Looped up at the stumps. Eased down to long-on for one.

Tossed up around off. Salman drives it hard toward deep extra cover for a couple.

WIDES! Fuller and sliding down the leg. Baig plays and misses. A fumble from the keeper allows runs with the wide ball.

Flat, wide outside off. Baig cuts it toward deep backward point for a brace.

Much fuller now, darting it in from outside off. Salman Agha jams the bat down to keep it out. End of a fruitful over by Eshan Malinga.

Just back of a length, over off and middle. Salman stays back and dabs it down into the leg side.

Salman Agha is the new batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Eshan Malinga answers right back and gets a hug wicket for his team. Malinga persists with the short ball and directs it really well, right at the batter and at an awkward height as well. Babar Azam takes on the pull and gets on his toes to get on top of the bounce but snatches at it and mistimes it badly. Pavan Rathnayake takes a dolly of a catch to his left at short mid-wicket and Azam departs after a positive start, and he'll be very disappointed with that dismissal.

FOUR! Seemed like a good ball, but that's nicely played by Babar Azam. Dug in short and around off, angling back in sharply. Babar leans back and manages to angle it away fine of the fielder at deep third for a boundary.

Hard length around leg, nudged away off the hips and behind square leg for an easy single.

Malinga returns to the attack and begins with a slower ball. Pitched full and straight, at 106.4 kph. Baig waits well before driving it straight to mid off.

Nice and full, attacking the stumps. Babar gets forward and drives it to mid on. Just 3 off the over.

Flighted up outside off, the length is pulled back by a few inches as well. Azam gets a big stride across to defend.

Tossed up again, very full and straight. Azam looks to drive straight but the ball catches the inside half of the blade and goes to the right of the bowler.

A loopy delivery now, this one angles in and lands right on the popping crease around middle and leg. Baig clips it wide of mid on for one more. It seems like there isn't anything happening off the surface for the bowlers.

Nicely tossed up, slightly wide of the off stump. Babar Azam gets onto the front foot and strokes it down to long off for one more. 100 up for Pakistan as well.

Landing it a bit fuller and outside off, getting the ball to drift back in. Baig leans on to block but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls away towards fine leg for a single.

Dug in a lot shorter now and right at the batter. Baig hangs back, gets on top of the bounce and pulls it well in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Slower delivery, at just 98.4 kph and floated up down leg. The ball dips on the batter and Baig misses the flick as the ball brushes the pads and rolls behind to the keeper.

This is fuller and angled more into the pads, Babar Azam flicks it to deep mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Shanaka pitches it on a good length, attacking the top of off stump. Azam solidly blocks it to mid on.

Just a fraction shorter and wide outside off, Saad Baig stays back and crunches it to the right of deep point, but just for a single.

Good length on middle, angling in with the arm. Azam tucks it down 'round the corner on the leg side and picks up a single.

Fuller and on leg stump, Saad Baig sits down and gets inside the line, sweeping it to the left of the fielder at fine leg for a couple of runs.

Short of a good length, angled into the batter and cramping him for room. Baig stays back and nurdles it to the on side.

On a dragged length and drifted into the legs, Azam tucks it neatly past square leg for a single.

Flighted up, outside off, eased away towards cover.

A valiant effort, but the ball lands just short. Flatter and drifted into the pads, Baig sits down and sweeps it down to fine leg. The ball is dipping quickly and Dilshan Madushanka is a bit late to react. He then charges in and puts in a dive but gets it on the half-volley. Single taken.

Colombage comes around the wicket to the left-hander, bowling it on a length and angling it into the stumps. Baig pats it back down the pitch.

Stifled appeal for LBW, but that's sliding down leg. Good length, at just over 122 kph and angled into the pads. Azam gets tucked up and looks to nudge it away but misses and wears it on the pads.

WIDE! A gentle-paced delivery, full and spilled down the leg side.

A proper short ball now, over leg stump, and Baig swivel-pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

SIX! That's an eye-catching shot. Marginally short and pretty straight. Saad Baig hangs back and short-arm jabs it towards cow corner and the ball sails over the ropes.

Just a smidge fuller than a good length and outside off, Baig leans into the drive but can't get it past the man at extra cover.

Fuller and angled well into the pads, Azam gets his hands out in front and clips it in front of square leg for a run. The 50-run stand is up between these two as well.

FOUR! Dispatched with sheer ease and timing. Overpitched around middle, Babar Azam uses the wrists to drive it away between mid on and mid-wicket, picking up a boundary.

Dasun Shanaka is back on, replacing Eshan Malinga.

Lobbed up wide of the off stump, inviting the drive. Azam lunges across and eases it through the cover region for a single.

The quicker one now, on a length and darting back in from just outside off. Babar picks it late and jams it off the outside edge to short third.

Tossed up on middle and leg, attempted wrong'un. Azam gets a good stride ahead and smothers it on the full to the leg side.

Short and wide, cut away from deep within the crease and towards deep backward point for yet another single.

Floated up, very full and outside off. Azam strokes it to deep extra cover for one more.

On a length and outside off, sliding back into the left-hander. Baig rocks back and punches it away through covers for a single.

DRINKS! This has been a pretty even start for both teams, but the game is moving along at a slow pace, and only 14 overs have been bowled so far. Anyway, after a couple of early jolts, Pakistan seem to be bouncing back well, thanks to Babar Azam's positive start and even Saad Baig has shown positive signs early on. The challenge for Sri Lanka will be to create wicket-taking opportunities in the middle phase, when the pitch has flattened out a bit, and the ball isn't doing much either.

On the fuller side and outside off, Babar Azam leans into the drive and smacks it well to the right of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Good change-up by Malinga, and it nearly brings him a wicket as well. A quick short ball, at 140.5 kph, skidding across the left-hander. Baig is rushed as he looks to pull and mistimes it badly towards wide mid on, picking up a single.

Full of a good length, landing it on middle and leg with a hint of movement in the air. Saad Baig solidly blocks it off.

A good-length delivery angling into the hips, Azam tucks it down to fine leg and rotates strike.

WIDE! This time, it is given a wide. Dug in short over middle and leg, angling in, but the ball sails well over the head of the batter.

Malinga hits a hard length, angling it in from outside off. Babar covers the line well and defends it right under the eyes.

Just back of a length, on a tighter line around off. Azam stays back and blocks it with soft hands, just past the cut strip on the off side.

Nice and full, outside off, and driven straight into the hands of the fielder at short cover.

Pushed through flatter and into the pads, this is tucked away just in front of square leg.

SIX! Baig picks the right delivery to go after, and luckily for him, the fielder is well inside the ropes as well. Dragged short and turning into the batter. Baig goes deep in his crease and wallops the pull straight into the boundary rope at deep mid-wicket.

Tossed up on middle and leg now, Baig leans on and clips it to mid-wicket.

That's a lovely delivery. Slowed up at 81.8 kph, floating it up just outside off. Saad Baig plays for some turn but the ball goes straight on and past the outside edge again.

Beaten right away! A bit fuller and angled across the left-hander. Baig leans on to drive but the ball angles and bounces past the blade.

Time for spin now. Sachindu Colombage to have a bowl.

A string of five dots after that boundary, and it's a good finish to the over by Malinga. Fuller length, attacking the middle stump. Azam gets halfway forward and blocks it off.

Another short ball, around head height and angled just down leg. Azam ducks under it, and again it's been deemed as a fair delivery, and rightly so.

Full and straight now, at 140.1 kph. Babar is a bit rushed, but manages to get forward and keep it out towards mid on.

Much better length from Malinga. Full of a good length, in and around off. Azam blocks it off the front foot.

Azam is not happy with that call. Banged in halfway down the pitch and wide of the off stump. Azam leaves it as the ball sails over his head, but no wide is called.

FOUR! That's begging to be hit! Short and wide, sliding onto the bat nicely. Babar Azam stays upright and punches it down behind point for a crisp boundary.

Shanaka starts and ends with a dot, only 4 runs off the over. Shanaka comes around the wicket and bowls a slingy delivery into the stumps. Saad Baig solidly blocks it off.

On a hard length, seaming away from the fifth-stump line. Babar steers it away with the angle and the ball rolls down to deep third for a single.

A tad short and a bit too straight from Shanaka. This is worked off the hips and down to fine leg for yet another single.

Fullish length, sliding into the pads. Babar Azam leans ahead and flicks it down to fine leg for one more.

On the shorter side, angled in at the hips. Baig misses the tuck and the ball goes off the thigh pad behind square leg for a leg bye.

Pitched fuller and on the fifth-stump line, angling away. Baig leans across and strokes it to point.

Powerplay 1 is done. Neither side will be too displeased with how the first 10 overs have gone. Sri Lanka will now be allowed a maximum of 4 fielders outside the inner ring, instead of 2.

On a length, at the stumps. Babar looks to defend, but gets an inside edge onto the pad. A stifled appeal is turned down.

Short of a good length, around off. Dabbed towards the man at backward point.

FOUR! Finds the gap! Full-length delivery, wide outside off. Babar nails the drive through the gap at extra cover for a cracking boundary.

Overpitched, around off. Babar gets forward and drives it toward the man at cover. Nicely stroked but straight to the fielder.

On a hard length, on off. Babar gets forward in defence.

Skiddy length ball, around off. Babar chops it toward the man at point.

Double change. Eshan Malinga comes into the attack.

Fuller than a length at the stumps. Babar clips it toward wide of mid on for a single. 50 comes up for Pakistan.

Good length delivery on off. Babar defends on the front foot.

On a length, on the pad. Babar clips it through the gap at square leg for a brace.

Fuller than a length on off. Babar strokes it toward mid off.

On a length, on off. Babar gets forward in defence.

Skiddy length ball, around off. Babar looks to cut but misses.

Dasun Shanaka is into the attack now.

On a hard length, at the stumps. Baig knocks it toward mid-on.

FOUR! Top shot! Back of a length, around off. Baig gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the gap at point for another boundary.

Fuller than a good length, just outside off. Baig looks to defend, but gets beaten on the edge.

FOUR! Gets off the mark in style! Back of a length on the middle stump line. Baig gets on top of the bounce and pulls it toward deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Short of a good length, attacking the stumps. Baig hangs back and defends it toward the man at point.

Back of a length on off. Baig is behind the line and drops into the off side.

Fuller than a length on the middle and leg. Babar clips it through the gap at mid-wicket for a couple.

Just misses the stumps! On a length, on off. Babar looks to defend from the crease, ends up dropping onto the pitch, and the ball nearly rolls toward the stumps.

FOUR! Dispatched! Back of a length, on the middle stump line. Babar picks it early and whacks the pull over the mid-wicket fielder for a thumping boundary.

On a length, at the stumps. Babar clips it to the man at short mid-wicket.

Fuller than a length, at the stumps. Babar gets forward in defence.

Back of a length, on middle. Babar gets on top of the bounce and drops into the leg side.

WIDE! Short of a good length, angled down the leg. Babar misses the clip. Signaled wide by the umpire.

Short of a good length, it nips away just and goes past the outside edge of Baig.

Debutant Saad Baig is in at number 4.

TAKEN! MADUSHANKA GETS THE BIG FISH! Back of a length delivery, on the middle stump line. Zaman is rushed for pace, the ball gets big on him, and he mis-times the pull toward mid-on, where Colombage takes a simple catch. Both the openers are gone now. Pakistan are two down.

On a length, at the stumps. Zaman works it toward the square leg fielder.

On a hard length, on off. Zaman blocks it toward the backward point fielder.

A low full toss, down the leg. Babar clips it toward fine leg for a single.

Short of a good length, angling away from the batter outside off. Babar cuts it to the cover point fielder.

Pitched full, around off. Babar plays a punchy drive through the gap at covers and takes three runs.

FOUR! Majestic! Full and swings away around off. Babar gets forward and strokes it elegantly through the covers for a lovely boundary.

On a length, on the middle and leg. Babar clips it toward short mid-wicket.

Short of a good length, on off. Babar is behind the line and defends with a dead bat.

Pitched full, on off. Babar gets forward and defends solidly.

Fuller than a length, on the pad. Zaman clips it to fine leg for one.

Jaffa! Short of a good length, just outside off, and goes past the poking blade of Babar.

Fuller than a length, angling across the batter, around off. Babar lets it go.

Babar Azam comes in at number 3.

CAUGHT! SOFT DISMISSAL FOR AYUB! A low full toss on the middle-and-leg-stump line. Ayub looks to flick it across the line but ends up chipping off a leading edge toward mid-off, where Liyanage takes a simple catch. Pakistan are rocked early.

Fuller than a length on the leg stump line. Ayub tries to work it leg side, but gets a soft leading edge that lands in front of the bowler.

SIX! That's his go-to shot! Back of a length, angled down the leg. Ayub gets inside the line and whacks it over the fine leg fence for a 66m hit.

On a hard length, on off. Ayub prods and dabs it toward the backward point fielder.

Back of a length on off. Zaman is behind the line and defends in front of the mid off fielder.

Good length delivery on off. Zaman defends into the off side.

FOUR! Past the fielder! Full and on the leg pole. Zaman flicks it past the diving square leg fielder for an easy boundary.

Short of a good length, angled across the batter, around off. Zaman lets it go.

Fuller than a length on off. Zaman knocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Put away! Full and on the leg stump. Zaman flicks it through the gap at square leg and finds the fences in quick time.

On a hard length, on off. Ayub presses forward and keeps it out.

Back of a length on middle. Ayub is behind the line in defence.

Short of a good length on off. Ayub defends from the crease.

On a length, around off. Zaman guides it toward deep third for one.

SIX! BANG! Good length delivery in the slot, on off. Zaman clears the front leg and tonks it over the cow corner fence for half a dozen.

NO BALL! Peach. Lands it on a length, just outside off. Zaman looks to defend forward, but the ball moves late and beats his outside edge. Madushanka has overstepped. No ball signaled. Free hit to follow.

Pakistan are away! Back of a length on off. Ayub rides the bounce and guides it toward deep third for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka will share the attack.

Good length delivery on off. Zaman defends it back to the bowler. Maiden to start the game.

Fuller than a good length on off. Zaman gets forward in defence.

Keeps it full, at the sticks. Zaman looks to work it through mid-wicket but gets an inside edge onto the pad.

Full pitcher, nipping back into the leg stump line. Zaman looks to clip it across the line but misses and gets a thud on the pad.

A high full toss, down the leg. Zaman looks to hack it away but gets an inside edge onto the thigh pad and lobs into the vacant leg side region.

Asitha pitches it full, swinging back into the leg stump line. Zaman misses the flick and wears on the pad. A stifled appeal from the bowler is turned down.

The action is about to get underway. First up, the two sets of players line up for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Sri Lanka first, followed by that of Pakistan. Done and dusted with the pre-match proceedings, it is now time to get the game underway. The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Sri Lanka. It will be the pairing of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub to open the innings for Pakistan. It will be Asitha Fernando to take the new ball for Sri Lanka. Let's go...

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (C/WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (C), Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

TOSS - Sri Lanka win the toss, and they will BOWL first.

Cricketing action coming up soon - With Rawalpindi traditionally offering plenty of runs and a batting-friendly surface expected, fans could be in for an entertaining contest between these two Asian rivals. Pakistan will look to make home advantage count, while Sri Lanka will be determined to upset the hosts and start their campaign on a high. Who will draw first blood in the tri-series? We’ll find out soon. Stay tuned for the toss and team updates as we build up to the action.

In search of improvement - Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be looking to turn the page after a challenging run in limited-overs cricket, including an ODI series defeat to England and a recent T20I series loss to Pakistan. However, the visitors will take confidence from their familiarity with the conditions and will be keen to put up a much-improved performance. Kusal Mendis leads the side, with Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, and Avishka Fernando forming the core of the batting lineup. Dunith Wellalage and Dasun Shanaka provide all-round options, while Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Dushmantha Chameera will shoulder the responsibility of delivering crucial breakthroughs with the ball. Sri Lanka will be eager to hit the ground running and open their tri-series campaign with a statement win.

Looking to make home conditions count - Pakistan last featured in an ODI series against Australia in June, which they won 2-1. Led by Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan boast a formidable lineup, with Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, and Salman Agha expected to play key roles with the bat. Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, and Shadab Khan add valuable all-round depth to the side. Their bowling attack looks equally potent, with Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Sufyan Moqim complementing the pace and leadership of Afridi. With home advantage on their side, Pakistan will be determined to make a strong statement in the tournament opener and get those crucial points on the board. 

Welcome to Pindi - Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan, 2026, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England. The tournament gets underway with hosts Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Having enjoyed success in the T20I series, the Men in Green will be eager to carry that momentum into the 50-over format and begin their campaign on a winning note. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be keen to put their T20I disappointment behind them and make a fresh start in the ODIs.

... MATCH DAY ...

The countdown to the World Cup - The opening match of the ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan, 2026, promises an intriguing contest as Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in a fixture that could set the tone for the tournament. With both teams looking to establish early momentum, the encounter will provide an opportunity to assess their batting combinations, bowling resources and ability to adapt to conditions in Pakistan. The hosts will hope to make the most of familiar surroundings, while Sri Lanka will aim to challenge them with disciplined bowling, calculated batting and the energetic approach that has become a feature of their limited-overs cricket. Beyond the immediate objective of securing a victory, this match will also be important for building confidence and identifying the combinations best suited to the demands of the series. In a short tri-series, every result can influence the standings and shape the path towards the final, making a strong start particularly valuable. Making the best of home conditions - Pakistan enter the tournament with the advantage of playing in familiar conditions and the opportunity to begin their campaign against a team they recently faced in a three-match T20I series. However, the switch from the shortest international format to 50-over cricket will demand a different approach, particularly in managing batting tempo and building partnerships through the middle overs. Shaheen Afridi will captain Pakistan in the ODI tri-series. His leadership will be important in coordinating a bowling attack that combines express pace, left-arm swing, conventional right-arm seam and spin options. Pakistan's squad includes Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. This gives the hosts several routes to control a match, whether through top-order runs, middle-order stability, or wickets at key stages. Babar Azam will be one of the central figures in Pakistan's batting plans. His ability to build an innings and maintain control against both pace and spin can provide the foundation for an imposing total. In ODI cricket, his role is especially significant because a well-paced innings can allow the middle order to attack without exposing the lower order too early. Fakhar Zaman offers a contrasting approach at the top of the order. His aggressive stroke play can put pressure on Sri Lanka's new-ball bowlers and help Pakistan establish a strong platform during the Powerplay. Saim Ayub also provides an attacking option, although Pakistan will need to balance early aggression with the importance of preserving wickets. With the ball, Shaheen will look to make early inroads, while Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf offer pace and wicket-taking potential. Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan could be important when the ball begins to grip, or the opposition's batters become predictable against spin. Pakistan's challenge will be to maintain pressure without allowing Sri Lanka to accumulate runs comfortably between overs 15 and 40. Sri Lanka's opportunity to step up - Sri Lanka will approach this fixture knowing that an effective performance against the hosts could provide an early boost to their campaign. Their strongest route to victory will be to combine a measured start with an assertive middle order and a bowling attack capable of taking wickets at regular intervals. Kusal Mendis is set to lead Sri Lanka in the tri-series, with Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka among the important batting options. However, the absence of Pathum Nissanka because of injury will be a big blow, but they have brought in the in-form Lahiru Udara as his replacement. The squad also includes all-rounders such as Dunith Wellalage and Sahan Arachchige, alongside specialist bowlers Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga and Dushmantha Chameera. Kusal Mendis brings attacking intent and the ability to change the momentum of an innings. His performance could be particularly important if Sri Lanka lose an early wicket or need to accelerate after a cautious start. Avishka Fernando offers another aggressive option, while Kamindu Mendis can provide adaptability in the middle order. Dasun Shanaka's contribution could be crucial in the final stages. Sri Lanka will want their middle and lower order to convert a promising platform into a strong finish, especially if Pakistan's fast bowlers manage to restrict scoring during the middle overs. The visitors will also need to avoid losing clusters of wickets, which could undermine an otherwise productive innings. With the ball, Theekshana's variations and control could be valuable against Pakistan's right-handed batters. Wellalage offers another spin option, while Madushanka, Asitha Fernando and Chameera provide different approaches with the seam. Sri Lanka's bowlers will need to combine accuracy with attacking fields, particularly against Pakistan's more aggressive top-order players. Conditions at Pindi - Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host the opening fixture. The pitch and prevailing conditions will be important in determining whether the match develops into a high-scoring contest or becomes more favourable to the bowlers as the game progresses. A surface offering consistent bounce would suit Pakistan's attacking batters, while the Sri Lankan seamers will look to exploit any early movement. Both sides will also assess how much assistance the pitch provides to spinners during the middle overs. As this is a day-night fixture, conditions under lights could influence the decision at the toss. Dew, if present, may affect the grip available to spinners and make defending a total more challenging. However, the precise pitch behaviour and amount of dew will depend on conditions on match day, so neither side should assume that batting first or chasing will automatically be the better option. Form (Last 5 ODIs, most recent first) - PAK - WLWLW | SL - LWLWL. Predictions? Pakistan appear to have a slight advantage because they are playing at home and possess a well-rounded pace attack supported by several spin options. Their prospects will improve considerably if Babar Azam anchors the innings and the top order gives the middle order a strong platform. Sri Lanka should not be underestimated. If Nissanka and Mendis produce substantial contributions and their bowlers strike early, the visitors have the resources to make this a competitive contest. Their ability to contain Pakistan during the middle overs could be just as important as their own batting performance. Ultimately, the opening match is likely to be decided by the quality of the first 10 overs, the battle for control during the middle phase, and the ability of each side to finish strongly. A disciplined all-round performance, rather than individual brilliance alone, could determine which team begins the ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan, 2026, with a valuable victory.