Pakistan will begin their campaign in the ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka on Sunday, October 18, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The competition also features England, with all three teams aiming to secure a place in the final scheduled for October 31 in Lahore. 

Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan will look to make the most of their home conditions and begin the tournament with a victory. The squad features experienced batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, alongside all-rounders Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha. Their bowling attack also includes Shaheen, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, giving the hosts several options with the new and old ball.

Here is the predicted playing XI of Pakistan for the first ODI of the tri-series against Sri Lanka.

Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman to open

Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman are expected to form an aggressive opening partnership. Both left-handers can put pressure on the opposition during the powerplay, and Pakistan will hope they take advantage of the batting-friendly conditions at Rawalpindi.

Saim’s ability to play attacking strokes and rotate the strike makes him a valuable option at the top. Fakhar, meanwhile, is capable of producing a rapid start when he finds his rhythm. His experience in ODI cricket could prove important against Sri Lanka’s new-ball attack.

Babar Azam is likely to bat at No. 3. The former captain will be responsible for providing stability if Pakistan lose an early wicket. His ability to build long innings and accelerate later could be vital in helping the hosts post a competitive total.

Salman Ali Agha and Hasan Nawaz strengthen the middle order

Salman Ali Agha is expected to bat at No. 4, where he can help Pakistan rebuild after early wickets or maintain momentum following a strong start. His all-round abilities also give the team additional flexibility.

Hasan Nawaz could occupy the No. 5 position. His role would be to support the established batters while providing attacking options against Sri Lanka’s spinners and fast bowlers. Pakistan will want the middle order to maintain a healthy scoring rate without sacrificing wickets unnecessarily.

Shadab Khan is likely to feature at No. 6. His leg-spin and batting ability make him an important component of the side, particularly in a 50-over contest where balance between departments is essential.

Faheem Ashraf could follow as a seam-bowling all-rounder. He offers lower-order batting depth and gives Shaheen another pace option, allowing Pakistan to maintain flexibility in their bowling combinations.

Ghazi Ghori could get the wicketkeeping role

Muhammad Ghazi Ghori is expected to take the wicketkeeping duties in the opening match. His inclusion would allow Pakistan to use the squad combination selected for the tri-series, while providing additional batting depth in the lower middle order.

Saad Baig is another wicketkeeping option available to the team management. The final decision could depend on recent form, preparation and the balance Pakistan want to maintain in their XI. <Cite refs={[“turn867951search0″,”turn867951search4”]}/>

Shaheen Afridi to lead the bowling attack

Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain Pakistan and is expected to lead the pace attack. His ability to swing the new ball and attack the stumps makes him a major threat during the powerplay. Early wickets could prevent Sri Lanka from establishing a strong platform.

Haris Rauf is likely to partner Shaheen. His pace and aggressive approach could be particularly useful during the middle and death overs. Naseem Shah remains a strong alternative if Pakistan prefer another specialist fast bowler.

Abrar Ahmed could complete the attack as the specialist spinner. His variations and ability to take wickets make him an attractive option, although Pakistan could consider Shadab’s leg-spin sufficient and bring Naseem into the XI instead.

Pakistan’s predicted Playing XI

This is a predicted XI based on Pakistan’s announced squad. The official playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.