Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI vs Pakistan- ODI Tri Series in Pakistan 2026, Match 1

Sri Lanka predicted XI vs Pakistan [Source: AFP]

The Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan will move to the ODIs, as they take on Pakistan in the first match of the tri-series, involving England. The ODI will take place in Rawalpindi on Sunday, October 18 at 1:30 PM (IST).

Unfortunately for the Lankans, their talisman opener Pathum Nissanka is out of the series, and they will look to find some solutions at the top. This series will serve as a good chance for the Asians to find their best ODI combination and prepare in the lead-up to the World Cup 2027.

As the tri-series gets underway in Rawalpindi, here's a look at Sri Lanka's predicted XI for the opening match.

Top Order- Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c/wk)

In Pathum Nissanka's absence, Lahiru Udara has been called up to the ODI side, as a reward for his good recent form. He scored 91(55) in a T20I earlier on the tour and is likely to get his ODI debut. He could face some competition for the place with Avishka Fernando, who was the leading run-getter (447) in the recent Major Clubs Limited Overs Tournament.

Kamindu Mendis will partner Udara at the top, following his match-winning 40* off 27 in the last T20I. He moved up to the top during the England tour, where he also scored a 54(65) in their win at Leeds. Captain and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis will slot in at 3, having recently gone past the 5000-run mark in ODIs, as he will look to continue his fantastic recent form.

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Middle Order and All Rounders- Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage

Pavan Rathnayake has been impressive in the early days of his international career. So far, he has played 9 ODIs and scored at a brisk strike rate of 91.38, with a century against England earlier this year. He was made to bat at 4 in England, scoring a quick-fire 48* off 39 in their win in Leeds.

Rathnayake will be followed by Sahan Archchige at 5, who last played an ODI in 2024, but with Charith Asalanka out of the squad, Archchige will get a chance. He has 3190 List A runs, with 82 wickets from his off-break bowling.

The impressive Janith Liyanage will be the number 6 batter, with close to 1100 runs in 33 innings in the format, averaging 41.88 at a strike rate of 87.68. Liyanage occasionally also bowls medium pace and has picked 55 List A wickets.

Former captain Dasun Shanaka will be the designated finisher, closing in on 1300 ODI runs after 71 matches. Shanaka also has 2 hundreds and 4 fifties, with 27 scalps through his medium pace bowling. He will be their 3rd pacer for the match.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Dunith Wellalage will extend the batting lineup to 8, with 519 runs in 30 innings at a healthy strike rate of 87.22, as he closes in on 50 ODI scalps. Wellalage will operate in the middle overs and can also chip in during the powerplay.

Bowlers- Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera

With Wandindu Hasaranga unavailable for the series, off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana will lead the spin attack, with 81 wickets in 59 innings. He is another powerplay specialist who bowls at a good economy rate and can hold the bat if needed.

The slingy Eshan Malinga will be the second pacer of the team, as someone who will operate late in the powerplay and in the middle overs. The Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler has 6 wickets in 9 innings, with the best figures of 3/35 and is looking to settle in the ODIs ahead of the World Cup year.

The two-man pace attack will be led by Dushmantha Chameera, who has 70 ODI scalps and very recently also completed his 100 T20I wickets. He can bowl across the phases, but will thrive upfront and in the death overs.

Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan- ODI Tri Series 2026, Match 1

Lahiru Udara, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera.