Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first in the opening ODI against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This marks Sri Lanka’s first bilateral series in Pakistan since 2019, with the hosts holding a strong home record — 18 wins and 12 losses in ODIs played on home soil.
Dew Factor Influences Toss Decision
Stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka cited evening dew as a major reason behind choosing to bowl first, expecting batting conditions to improve later under lights. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, meanwhile, admitted he would have also preferred to bowl first, anticipating a high-scoring contest on a flat Rawalpindi pitch.
“The pitch looks good for batting, but dew will make chasing easier later on,” Asalanka said at the toss.
Team News: Mishara Debuts, Hasaranga Returns for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka made two notable changes to their lineup. Young wicketkeeper-batter Kamil Mishara received his ODI debut cap, while star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga made his much-awaited return to the side.
Janith Liyanage and Dilshan Madushanka (injured) missed out to make way for the incoming players.
For Pakistan, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was ruled out due to illness, with Naseem Shah returning to the XI.
Pitch Report & Match Expectations
The Rawalpindi surface has been a paradise for batters in recent games, producing scores in excess of 300 runs consistently. The last three ODIs at the venue have all been won by teams chasing, increasing the importance of bowling first.
The weather conditions are bright and warm, with clear skies expected throughout the evening — perfect for a thrilling series opener.
Playing XIs
Sri Lanka XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (debut), Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan
Pakistan XI:
Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
Key Talking Points
- Kamil Mishara’s ODI debut adds a youthful spark to Sri Lanka’s top order.
- Wanindu Hasaranga’s comeback boosts balance in both bowling and lower-order batting.
- Pakistan’s pace trio of Shaheen, Haris, and Naseem promises early fireworks.
- Dew and flat pitch expected to make chasing advantageous once again.
