Pakistan and Sri Lanka are gearing up to lock horns in the first ODI of the three-match series on Tuesday in Rawalpindi. Pakistan are riding high on confidence pumped up by their 2-1 series victory over South Africa in the recently concluded ODI assignment at home. The series win against South Africa was encouraging, but it exposed areas that still need fine-tuning. The most worrying thing for Pakistan is the dip in form of Babar Azam, whose century drought has now stretched to 82 innings across formats. His lean patch has been a talking point as Pakistan hope their talismanic batter can find his touch at the top of the order. Another senior player, Mohammad Rizwan, too, has struggled for consistency.
Despite these concerns, Pakistan have reasons to be optimistic, as their opener, Saim Ayub has been in searing form, coupled with Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Agha’s ability to deliver crucial contributions down the order.
For Sri Lanka, who are returning to ODIs after nearly three months, this marks a crucial moment as they look to challenge star-studded Pakistan. Sri Lanka's squad is filled with firepower, boasting the names of Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Moreover, skipper Charith Asalanka will look to guide the side to a positive start.
Head-to-head
Matches - 157
Pakistan won - 93
Sri Lanka won - 59
No Result - 4
Tied - 1
Pakistan likely 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
Sri Lanka likely 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