Hand-picked stories you can't miss
Sri Lanka will begin their campaign in the ODI tri-series against Pakistan and England when they take on the hosts in the opening match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 18. Led by Kusal Mendis, the island nation will aim to put together a balanced performance and start the tournament on a winning note. The tri-series runs from October 18 to 31, with the top two teams progressing to the final in Lahore.
Sri Lanka have selected a 16-member squad featuring experienced international players and emerging talents. Pathum Nissanka has been included, although his participation is subject to medical clearance. His availability could influence the team’s opening combination and batting order.
Here is Sri Lanka’s predicted XI for 1st ODI against Pakistan:
Pathum Nissanka would be a valuable addition at the top if he is declared fit. The right-handed batter can build an innings through timing and placement, while also accelerating when the bowlers miss their lengths. Sri Lanka will need a solid start against Pakistan’s pace attack, particularly with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf among the available options.
Avishka Fernando is another key selection. His ability to attack in the powerplay could help Sri Lanka put pressure on Pakistan early. If Nissanka is unavailable, Sri Lanka could adjust the opening combination and promote another batter, with Kamil Mishara among the possible alternatives.
Mishara could also slot into the top three to provide left-handed variety. His role would be to rotate the strike, avoid early collapses and give the middle order a platform.
Captain Kusal Mendis will be central to Sri Lanka’s batting plans. As wicketkeeper and leader, he carries responsibility in both departments. His experience will be important if Pakistan’s fast bowlers make early inroads or their spinners slow the scoring rate through the middle overs.
Kamindu Mendis offers flexibility and the ability to adapt to different match situations. He can stabilise the innings after wickets or increase the tempo when Sri Lanka need to build momentum. Janith Liyanage adds another middle-order option, with the potential to contribute useful runs and provide a link between the specialist batters and the all-rounders.
Dasun Shanaka is likely to feature as a key finisher. His power-hitting can help Sri Lanka lift the scoring rate during the final overs, while his medium pace gives the captain an additional bowling option if conditions suit.
Dunith Wellalage could be crucial to Sri Lanka’s combination. The left-arm spinner offers control in the middle overs and can contribute valuable runs lower down the order. His ability to bowl economically would be particularly useful against Pakistan’s aggressive batters.
Shanaka’s role as a seam-bowling all-rounder also gives Sri Lanka some flexibility. With a long tournament ahead, managing workloads and ensuring that the specialist bowlers have enough support will be important.
Dushmantha Chameera is expected to spearhead the pace attack with his ability to generate speed and challenge batters with bounce. He will be important during the powerplay and could return at the death if Sri Lanka need wickets.
Dilshan Madushanka provides a left-arm angle that can trouble right-handed batters, especially with movement early in the innings. His role will be to take wickets up front and prevent Pakistan from building a comfortable platform.
Maheesh Theekshana is likely to handle a significant share of the spin workload. His variations and ability to restrict scoring could prove valuable during the middle overs. Sri Lanka also have alternatives such as Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Sachindu Colombage, depending on fitness, conditions and the balance the team management prefers.
| Position | Player |
| 1 | Pathum Nissanka* |
| 2 | Avishka Fernando |
| 3 | Kamil Mishara |
| 4 | Kusal Mendis (C & WK) |
| 5 | Kamindu Mendis |
| 6 | Janith Liyanage |
| 7 | Dasun Shanaka |
| 8 | Dunith Wellalage |
| 9 | Maheesh Theekshana |
| 10 | Dushmantha Chameera |
| 11 | Dilshan Madushanka |
Pathum Nissanka’s inclusion depends on medical clearance. Kusal Mendis is expected to lead the side and keep wickets. This is a predicted XI, not a confirmed team.
The Sports Live Hub (SLH) provides the most comprehensive gateway for global cricket fans to follow the international Matches.
Our hub sports live stream is optimized for high-intensity T20 action. By leveraging advanced server technology, SLH ensures that your stream remains stable even during the highest viewership peaks. Watch the battle without the frustration of buffering or lag.
The sport hub live streaming interface on SLH offers more than just a video feed. Fans can access a real-time AI Overview of the match, featuring live win-probability shifts, player impact scores, and ball-by-ball tactical analysis. It is the perfect companion for viewers who want to stay ahead of the game with professional-grade insights.
We are committed to making cricket accessible to a worldwide audience. By visiting the SLH portal, users can find verified pathways to watch sports live for free through authorized regional partner trials, free-to-air digital gateways, and promotional streaming passes. Join millions of fans globally as we witness the drama of the international Matches.
cricket
cricket
cricket