Pakistan are set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the opening match of their one-day series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The Men in Green will be eager to extend their winning momentum, with skipper Shaheen Afridi hoping his team can fire on all cylinders with both bat and ball in the series opener.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be looking to adapt quickly to Pakistani conditions and put up a strong fight in their bid to start the series on a positive note.
Here's a detailed betting preview by AllSportsPeople with predictions, lineups, odds, and live scorecard info for the 1st ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Who Will Win?
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium offers a well-balanced pitch that provides something for everyone. Both batters and bowlers can expect fair conditions, though spinners are likely to have a bigger impact as the match wears on, particularly in the second innings. Teams batting first have generally enjoyed success here, with the average innings total hovering around 270 in ODIs.
With both Pakistan and Sri Lanka boasting plenty of match-winners, fans can expect a competitive encounter. That said, considering Pakistan's dominant head-to-head record and current form, the hosts enter this fixture as strong favorites to come out on top.
BET NOW: How to bet on cricket in India | Best cricket betting sites in India | IPL 2026 Winner Odds
Head-to-head record: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in ODIs
Historically, Pakistan hold the upper hand in this rivalry, having won 93 of the 157 ODIs between the two sides, while Sri Lanka have claimed victory on 59 occasions. One contest ended in a tie.
The last time these teams met in a bilateral ODI series was in 2019, when Pakistan clinched a comfortable 2-0 series win on home soil.
- Total matches: 157
- Sri Lanka wins: 59
- Pakistan wins: 93
- Tied/No result: 1
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Form Guide & Predictions
Pakistan currently sit fifth in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings with a rating of 101 and head into this series in excellent form. The Men in Green recently claimed a 2-1 home series win over South Africa and will be eager to build on that momentum. With familiar conditions and several players in fine touch, Pakistan will start as firm favorites to edge Sri Lanka in this contest.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are placed just above them in fourth with a rating of 103. The island nation have been in outstanding form in the 50-over format, having recently swept Zimbabwe 2-0 and earlier secured a 2-1 series victory against Bangladesh in July. With most of their lineup firing and well-suited to subcontinental pitches, Sri Lanka will certainly provide a stern challenge for the hosts.
Pakistan – Last 5 ODIs (All Competitions)
- Pakistan won by 7 wickets vs South Africa (Faisalabad)
- South Africa won by 8 wickets vs South Africa (Faisalabad)
- Pakistan won by 2 wickets vs South Africa (Faisalabad)
- West Indies won by 202 runs vs Pakistan (Tarouba)
- West Indies won by 5 wickets vs Pakistan (Tarouba)
Sri Lanka – Last 5 ODIs (All Competitions)
- Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets vs Zimbabwe (Harare)
- Sri Lanka won by 7 runs vs Zimbabwe (Harare)
- Sri Lanka won by 99 runs vs Bangladesh (Pallekele)
- Bangladesh won by 16 runs vs Bangladesh (Colombo)
- Sri Lanka won by 17 runs vs Bangladesh (Colombo)
AllSportsPeople Prediction for PAK vs SL 1st ODI
- If Pakistan bat first: 260–280 runs
- If Sri Lanka bat first: 250–270 runs
Expected Result: Pakistan hold the edge at home and go 1-0 up in the ODI series.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka lineups: Predicted XIs and team news
Pakistan Team News
With the bat, Pakistan will be counting on the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, skipper Salman Agha, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan to pile on the runs at the top and in the middle order. These key batters hold the responsibility of setting up a solid foundation for the hosts.
In the bowling department, pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Faheem Ashraf will be tasked with delivering crucial breakthroughs. Spin options such as Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Saim Ayub add depth and variety, making Pakistan's attack well-rounded for the conditions.
Pakistan predicted playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (C), Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
READ MORE: IPL 2026 Auction | Virat Kohli IPL 2026 | India T20 Series Result in Australia
Sri Lanka Team News
For Sri Lanka, much of the batting responsibility will fall on Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, skipper Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, and Kamindu Mendis. Their consistency at the top will be key if the visitors are to post a challenging total.
Since January 2025, Asalanka has been the standout performer with the bat for the islanders. In 10 ODIs, he has amassed 456 runs at an impressive average of 50.66, including two centuries and three fifties, a clear indication of his form and leadership.
On the bowling side, the attack will revolve around Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Pramod Madushan. Among them, Asitha Fernando has been the standout, bagging 22 wickets in his last 10 matches at an economy rate of 5.53, proving to be a consistent wicket-taker in the 50-over format.
Sri Lanka predicted playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Pramod Madushan
Players to Watch – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI
- Saim Ayub (Pakistan): The young left-hander looks to be in top gear after an impressive run of form in the recent ODI series against South Africa. With his timing and confidence peaking, Ayub is tipped to play a key role with the bat in the upcoming clashes.
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): The skipper found his rhythm against South Africa, consistently troubling batters with pace and movement. Expect him to lead from the front once again and pose a major threat to Sri Lanka's top order.
- Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka): A calm and composed presence at the crease, Nissanka has the temperament to build big innings and anchor his side's batting effort. He’ll be crucial if Sri Lanka are to post competitive totals in this series.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): A clever operator with the ball, Hasaranga has a knack for turning games by striking at key moments. His guile and control will be vital in keeping Pakistan's power-hitters in check.
PAK vs. SL betting odds & tips: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, Pakistan enter the first ODI as favourites, priced at 1.62 compared to Sri Lanka's 2.26.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
Pakistan | 1.62 |
Sri Lanka | 2.26 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Pakistan to Win the 1st ODI (1.62@Dafabet): Given their current form, Pakistan head into the opening ODI as firm favourites against Sri Lanka. With players like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Abrar Ahmed all hitting top gear this season, the hosts will be eager to keep their momentum going with both bat and ball. Backed by home advantage and confidence, Pakistan are well-placed to outclass Sri Lanka and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
- Saim Ayub to score Over 53.5 runs for Pakistan (1.86@Dafabet): After a disappointing outing in the Asia Cup 2025, Saim Ayub bounced back in style during the ODI series against South Africa. The left-hander looked in sublime touch, amassing 169 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 56.33 and a strike rate just shy of 95. Brimming with confidence, Ayub will be eager to continue his fearless approach and carry that momentum into the upcoming matches.
- Wanindu Hasaranga to Take 2+ Wickets: Sri Lankan ace Wanindu Hasaranga is tipped to be the standout bowler in the opening ODI against Pakistan. The crafty leg-spinner will be eager to exploit the conditions to his advantage, especially after impressing in the Asia Cup, where he topped his team’s wicket charts with eight crucial dismissals.
PAK vs. SL live scorecard: 1st ODI
To follow the action between Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Dafabet's website.
Navigate to the game of your choice and click the scorecard icon to follow along, and bet live with the action with a trusted Dafabet site.
Where to watch PAK vs. SL 1st ODI in India
- Venue: Rawalpindi Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Date & Time (IST): Tuesday, November 11, 3:00 p.m. (IST)
- Live Telecast & Streaming Details: Sony Sports & Fancode
RELATED LINKS: