PAK vs SL Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, 1st ODI, October 18

Pakistan is all set to host a tri-nation series in Rawalpindi and Lahore, featuring England and Sri Lanka as the other two teams besides the hosts. The series will feature seven games, including the final, with each team squaring off against the other twice. The first game of the series will see the hosts, Pakistan, colliding with their Asian counterparts, Sri Lanka, whom they recently defeated 2-1 in the T20I series at home. With England being the other strong team in the series, a win in the opening game for either of the two sides will set the tone for the series. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st ODI match, PAK vs SL, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

Win Probability: PAK vs SL

The recent form of both Pakistan and Sri Lanka in recent times hasn’t been great. Pakistan have secured two wins out of their last three games, whereas Sri Lanka have won only one out of their last three ODIs. Pakistan has dominated the Sri Lankan ODI outfit in recent times, and playing at home, they should have the upper hand heading into this contest. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to lean in the hosts’ favor. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st ODI match PAK vs SL at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

PAK: 56% win chance
SL: 44% win chance

• Pakistan have won three and lost two of their last five ODIs.
• Sri Lanka have won and lost two games each out of their last four completed ODIs.
• Pakistan have won four of their last five ODIs on the bounce against Sri Lanka. All four wins came in a row for Pakistan.
• Sri Lanka last defeated Pakistan in an ODI by 2 wickets (DLS method) on September 14, 2023.

Cricket Betting Tips for PAK vs SL- 1st ODI

Babar Azam to score Over 36.5

Babar remains a key bet in Pakistan's batting unit. Having scored 317 runs in hias last 7 T20I outings, the right-hander averages 52.83.

Place Bet @ Odds 1.85 »

Pavan Rathnayake to score Over 21.5

Pavan is one of those batters in Sri Lanka's batting lineup whose stocks have risen in recent times. Having scored 297 runs in the last 9 outings, he remains a crucial bet.

Place Bet @ Odds 1.85 »

Fakhar Zaman to score Over 29.5

The left-hand opening batter of Pakistan will have his task cut out at the top. He remains a vital cog for providing Pakistan a quick start.

Place Bet @ Odds 1.85 »

Kusal Mendis to score Over 27.5

Fresh off a ton in the second ODI against England, the Sri Lankan skipper will perhaps be their main batter in the series. He is averaging nearly 58 in the last 10 outings having scored 463 runs.

Place Bet @ Odds 1.85 »

PAK vs SL Today’s Match Prediction

Check out our prediction for the PAK vs SL 1st ODI match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan will have home advantage favoring them

Pakistan are set to host a high‑profile tri‑nation ODI series in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with England and Sri Lanka joining the contest. The opening clash pits the hosts against Sri Lanka, a side they recently overcame 2‑1 in a T20I series at home. Pakistan’s dominance in ODIs against Sri Lanka has been evident, winning four of their last five encounters, all in succession. The last time Sri Lanka managed to edge Pakistan was back in September 2023, clinching a narrow two‑wicket win via the DLS method.

Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan boasts a formidable lineup featuring Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. The blend of pace firepower and batting depth gives them a strong edge, especially on familiar home tracks where crowd support and conditions naturally tilt in their favor.

With momentum on their side and a settled squad, Pakistan will look to capitalize on home advantage, set the tone early in the tri‑series, and reinforce their reputation as a dominant force in subcontinental cricket.

Sri Lanka should look to start well in the series

Sri Lanka will be keen to make a strong start in the upcoming tri‑nation ODI series against Pakistan and England, especially after recent setbacks. The recall of Avishka Fernando, who last played an ODI in February 2025, adds depth to the batting unit. His inclusion comes at the expense of Charith Asalanka, while injuries continue to keep Pathum Nissanka out of contention.

The squad features a mix of youth and experience, with Sahan Arachchige stepping in for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga. Sri Lanka’s pace attack looks well‑stocked, boasting four frontline options in Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Dilshan Madushanka. Meanwhile, the spin department is bolstered by Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, and Dunith Wellalage, ensuring balance across formats.

With fresh faces eager to prove themselves and senior players providing stability, Sri Lanka’s immediate priority will be to settle quickly and avoid early stumbles. A strong opening performance could set the tone for their campaign and help them challenge two formidable opponents in this tri‑series. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.

PAK vs SL Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 160
SL won: 59
PAK won: 96
No Result: 4
Tied: 1
RECENT form PAKISTAN: W L W L W
RECENT form SRI LANKA: NR A L W L

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have locked horns in ODI cricket 160 times. Sri Lanka have won only 59 contests, whereas Pakistan have registered 96 wins against their name. Four matches ended as a no result. 

Team Analysis: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

How will the two teams, i.e., Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, fare in the first ODI in Rawalpindi? Let’s take a look.

Pakistan (PAK)

• There is less upheaval in the ODI squad, with Shaheen Shah Afridi continuing to lead the 16-member squad.
• Senior wicket-keeper batter Muhammad Rizwan is currently entangled in an investigation and legal proceedings with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority.
• Fakhar Zaman, along with Saim Ayub, is expected to open the innings.
• Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, and wicket-keeper Ghazi Ghori should form the rest of the batting order.
• Shadab Khan and Arafat Minhas should be the spin twins providing some batting assistance as well.
• Shaheen Shah, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf should round off the pace attack.

Expected Starting 11

Sri Lanka (SL)

• The visitors have named a 16-man squad for this series led by Kusal Mendis.
• Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga couldn’t make it to the squad due to injuries.
• Vice-captain Charith Asalanka has faced the axe owing to poor form.
• Avishka Fernando could play his first ODI since February 2025 after being recalled to the squad.
• Sahan Arachchige has been named as Wanindu Hasaranga’s replacement in the squad.
• Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando could be seen opening the innings.
• Skipper Kusal Mendis will walk in at no 3 followed by Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, and Janith Liyanage.
• Dasun Shanaka and Dunith Wellalage will be the two all-rounders.
• Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and one-off Asitha Fernando or Eshan Malinga should complete the bowling line-up.

Expected Starting 11

PAK vs Sl: Today’s Match Predictions

Pakistan have had the wood over Sri Lanka in this format, and their recent run over Sri Lanka has been nothing short of dominating. Playing at home, they should fancy their chances of winning this contest and take on England with utmost confidence. Sri Lanka have been struggling with their eleven in recent times, making them the second favourite in this contest. Therefore, for now, the host, Pakistan, is expected to win the PAK vs SL 1st ODI match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026.