By Tanzeel Ul Rehman | October 7, 2026
The Pakistan ODI tri series 2026 runs from October 18 to 31, with Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka playing six league matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore before the top two meet in the final at Gaddafi Stadium. Each team plays the other two twice. Shaheen Shah Afridi leads Pakistan, Harry Brook captains England and Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka. Our early pick is a Pakistan vs England final, with Pakistan slight favourites at home.
This guide covers the full schedule, all three squads, the big selection stories, how the venues play and why this series matters so much with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 just a year away.
Pakistan ODI Tri Series 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Teams | Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka |
| Dates | October 18 to 31, 2026 |
| Venues | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) |
| Format | Double round robin, 6 league matches, then a final |
| Final | Saturday, October 31, Lahore |
| Captains | Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK), Harry Brook (ENG), Kusal Mendis (SL) |
| Host board | Pakistan Cricket Board |
The format is simple. Every team plays four league matches, two against each opponent. The two teams with the most points go to the final. That means one bad week can knock even a strong side out, because there are only four chances to make the top two.
Pakistan ODI Tri Series 2026 Full Schedule
| Match | Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun, Oct 18 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi |
| 2 | Tue, Oct 20 | Pakistan vs England | Rawalpindi |
| 3 | Thu, Oct 22 | England vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi |
| 4 | Sun, Oct 25 | Pakistan vs England | Lahore |
| 5 | Tue, Oct 27 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Lahore |
| 6 | Thu, Oct 29 | England vs Sri Lanka | Lahore |
| Final | Sat, Oct 31 | Top two teams | Lahore |
What the schedule tells us: Pakistan play back to back games on October 18 and 20 in Rawalpindi, then have a four day break before two games in Lahore. England play their first game on October 20, so they get two extra days to adjust after arriving. Sri Lanka have the busiest build up of all, because they are already in Pakistan for a three match T20I series in Rawalpindi from October 9 to 13.
The two Pakistan vs England matches, on October 20 and 25, look like the games that will decide first place. Our tip for fans planning to watch at the ground: the Lahore leg covers both a Pakistan vs England game and the final, so it offers the best value.
For the official fixture list, see the PCB’s tri series page.
Why Does the Pakistan ODI Tri Series 2026 Matter?
On paper this is a short, three team event. In reality, it is one of the most useful series of the year for all three sides.
1. It is World Cup 2027 practice. The World Cup starts in South Africa in October 2027. Every ODI between now and then is a chance to settle a squad. Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka will all be watching which players handle pressure in a must win game, and the final adds a knockout match to the calendar.
2. England return to Pakistan for ODIs. England have played plenty of cricket in Pakistan since 2022, but mostly Tests and T20Is. This is the first time in around two decades that they play a bilateral style ODI series against Pakistan on Pakistani soil. For many of England’s younger players, it is their first look at 50 over conditions in Pakistan.
3. Pakistan’s last home tri series did not end well. In February 2025, Pakistan hosted a tri series with New Zealand and South Africa just before the Champions Trophy. They reached the final, but New Zealand beat them in Karachi. A home tri series title would be a welcome change.
4. These teams do not meet in the World Cup group stage. Pakistan are in Group A in 2027, while England and Sri Lanka are in Group B. That makes this series one of the few chances for Pakistan to test themselves against both before a possible Super 7 meeting.
Our World Cup 2027 coverage explains the groups and fixtures in more detail.
Pakistan Squad for the ODI Tri Series 2026
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Sufyan Moqim
The biggest talking point is Mohammad Rizwan’s absence. Rizwan has been one of Pakistan’s most reliable ODI batters and their regular wicketkeeper for years. His name is missing from both the T20I and ODI squads, and no detailed explanation has been given. That leaves the gloves to Mohammad Ghazi Ghori or Saad Baig, two young keepers with very little international experience.
What the squad tells us:
- Babar Azam is the senior batter in a young top order. With Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub likely to open, Babar’s role at three becomes even more important.
- Pace is the strength. Shaheen, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf together form one of the best new ball attacks in the world, and Faheem Ashraf adds a fourth seam option.
- The Asian Games stars get their chance. Hasan Nawaz, who hit 96 against India in the Asian Games final, Arafat Minhas and Sufyan Moqim, who took three wickets in the semi final, are all in the ODI squad. You can read about their run to silver on our Asian Games 2026 cricket hub.
- Spin depth: Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Moqim give Pakistan three different spin options.
England Squad for the ODI Tri Series 2026
Harry Brook (captain), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Mason Crane, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Josh Tongue
Two big names are missing. Jos Buttler has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, and Jofra Archer has been rested to manage his workload. Without them, England lose their most explosive finisher and their fastest bowler.
The returns matter too. Adil Rashid is back after a hand injury and Sam Curran returns after groin surgery in August. On Pakistani pitches, Rashid’s leg spin may be England’s most important weapon in the middle overs.
New faces: Three players in the squad, Mason Crane, James Coles and Henry Crocombe, are yet to play an ODI for England. With the World Cup a year away, this series is a clear chance for the selectors to look at depth.
Our take: England’s batting, led by Brook, Root and Duckett, should score heavily on flat Rawalpindi pitches. The question is whether a bowling attack without Archer can take 10 wickets regularly when the ball stops swinging.
Sri Lanka Squad for the ODI Tri Series 2026
Kusal Mendis (captain), Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Avishka Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage
Pathum Nissanka’s fitness is the key question. His place depends on medical clearance. Nissanka is Sri Lanka’s best batter in white ball cricket, so his availability could decide how competitive they are.
Sahan Arachchige is an interesting inclusion. He captained Sri Lanka’s reserve side at the Asian Games, where they won bronze. His selection here shows the selectors were impressed by how he led a young group in Japan.
The spin attack is Sri Lanka’s best hope. Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage and wrist spinner Sachindu Colombage can control the middle overs, especially in Lahore. With Dasun Shanaka as a seam bowling all rounder, Sri Lanka have balance.
Our take: Sri Lanka have the least experienced squad of the three, but they also have the most match practice in Pakistan, thanks to the T20I series before the tri series. That could help them steal a win early in Rawalpindi. For their recent ODI form, see our England vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI preview from their summer tour.
How Will Rawalpindi and Lahore Play in the Tri Series?
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has a reputation for flat pitches and high scores. The outfield is quick and the boundaries are not big. Expect first innings totals above 300 in good conditions. Bowlers who can bowl yorkers and slower balls at the death will be worth their weight in gold here.
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore usually offers a little more for spinners as the game goes on. Late October evenings can bring dew, which makes the ball harder to grip in the second innings. That often pushes captains to chase.
Tactical tip for fantasy players:
- In Rawalpindi, pick top order batters and death bowlers.
- In Lahore, add an extra spinner and favour the team batting second if dew is forecast.
Weather in both cities is usually dry and pleasant in late October, so washouts are unlikely. That gives this tri series a better chance of producing full matches than the rain hit Asian Games, where all four quarter finals were washed out.
Pakistan vs England vs Sri Lanka: Head to Head in ODIs
| Matchup | What history says | What it means now |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan vs England | England have won clearly more ODIs between the two sides in the last decade | Pakistan’s home advantage and pace attack narrow the gap |
| Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan lead the overall head to head comfortably | Sri Lanka’s spinners can still trouble Pakistan in Lahore |
| England vs Sri Lanka | The two sides have been closely matched in recent years, and Sri Lanka beat England at the 2023 World Cup | Sri Lanka’s spinners are well suited to Pakistani pitches |
Rather than lean on old numbers, it helps to look at what has changed. England’s ODI side is in a rebuilding phase after a poor 2023 World Cup. Pakistan have new leadership under Shaheen and a younger batting order. Sri Lanka are mixing a few senior players with the young group that won Asian Games bronze. History gives a rough guide, but this series will be decided by current form and conditions.
For the complete record book, the ESPNcricinfo fixtures page for the series is the best place to follow scores and stats as the games are played.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match 1: Probable Playing 11
The Pakistan ODI tri series 2026 opens with Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on October 18. Here is how we expect both sides to line up.
| Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | Pathum Nissanka (if fit) or Kamil Mishara |
| Saim Ayub | Avishka Fernando |
| Babar Azam | Kusal Mendis (c, wk) |
| Salman Ali Agha | Kamindu Mendis |
| Hasan Nawaz | Janith Liyanage |
| Saad Baig (wk) | Dasun Shanaka |
| Faheem Ashraf | Dunith Wellalage |
| Shadab Khan | Maheesh Theekshana |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi (c) | Dushmantha Chameera |
| Naseem Shah | Asitha Fernando |
| Haris Rauf | Dilshan Madushanka |
Pakistan’s main call is the wicketkeeper. Saad Baig and Mohammad Ghazi Ghori are both new to this level, and the choice may depend on who bats better in the middle order. Abrar Ahmed could replace Faheem if the pitch looks dry.
Sri Lanka’s main call depends on Nissanka’s fitness. If he is cleared, he opens. If not, Kamil Mishara gets the chance. Kusal Mendis is likely to keep wicket as well as captain.
These are our predictions only. Final XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
Key Players to Watch in the Pakistan ODI Tri Series 2026
Babar Azam (Pakistan). With Rizwan out, Babar is the batter Pakistan will lean on most. On flat home pitches, a big series from him could be the difference.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan). As captain and new ball leader, his first spell in each game sets the tone. Early wickets in Rawalpindi are the best way to stop high totals.
Harry Brook (England). Brook has a superb Test record in Pakistan, including a triple hundred in Multan in 2024, and plays spin and pace with equal confidence. As captain, he now has to lead an attack without Archer.
Adil Rashid (England). Back from injury, Rashid’s leg spin is England’s best chance of controlling Pakistan’s middle order.
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka). If fit, he is the batter most likely to give Sri Lanka big totals.
Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka). His variations could make Sri Lanka dangerous in Lahore, where the ball grips more.
Hasan Nawaz (Pakistan). After his 96 in the Asian Games final, he will want to prove he can do it in 50 over cricket too. Watch whether he gets a regular middle order spot.
Who Will Win the Pakistan ODI Tri Series 2026?
| Team | Strength | Weakness | Our chance to win the title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Pace attack, home conditions, Babar’s experience | No Rizwan, inexperienced keepers | 42% |
| England | Batting depth with Brook, Root, Duckett | No Archer or Buttler, new bowlers | 38% |
| Sri Lanka | Spin attack, match practice in Pakistan | Least experienced squad, Nissanka doubt | 20% |
Our prediction: Pakistan beat England in the final in Lahore.
The reasoning is simple. In home ODIs, Pakistan’s three fast bowlers are hard to score against early, and Babar is at his best on flat pitches. England’s batting is stronger on paper, but without Archer their bowling may struggle to defend totals in Rawalpindi. Sri Lanka will win at least one game, probably in Lahore where their spinners can take control, but we expect them to finish third.
The biggest risk to our prediction is England’s batting. If Brook, Root and Duckett all fire in Rawalpindi, England could top the table before the series even reaches Lahore.
How to Follow the Pakistan ODI Tri Series 2026
- Check match times on the PCB website before each game, since day and day night starts can differ between venues.
- Follow live scores on ESPNcricinfo or the PCB’s official channels.
- Plan tickets early for the Pakistan vs England match in Lahore on October 25 and the final on October 31, which are likely to sell fastest.
- Read our previews for every match, with playing 11, pitch report and Dream11 tips.
If you enjoy tri series cricket, our guide to the ODI Tri Nation Series in UAE 2026 covers the other three team ODI event this season.
Pakistan ODI Tri Series 2026 FAQs
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When does the Pakistan ODI tri series 2026 start?
It starts on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The final is on Saturday, October 31, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, so the whole event lasts two weeks.
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Which teams are playing in the Pakistan ODI tri series 2026?
Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka. Each team plays the other two twice, so there are six league matches. The top two teams on the points table reach the final.
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Where are the tri series matches being played?
At Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The first three games are in Rawalpindi and the rest, including the final, are in Lahore.
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Who is Pakistan’s captain for the ODI tri series?
Shaheen Shah Afridi leads Pakistan in ODIs. Sahibzada Farhan captains the separate T20I side against Sri Lanka before the tri series.
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Why is Mohammad Rizwan not in Pakistan’s squad?
Rizwan was left out of both the T20I and ODI squads, and no detailed reason has been given. Mohammad Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig are the wicketkeeping options, which makes this a big test for Pakistan’s next generation of keepers.
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Who is England’s captain for the Pakistan tri series?
Harry Brook. Jos Buttler is out with a hamstring injury and Jofra Archer has been rested, while Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return after injuries.
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Is Pathum Nissanka playing for Sri Lanka?
He has been named in the squad, but his availability depends on medical clearance. If he is not fit, Kamil Mishara is the most likely replacement at the top of the order.
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Who will win the Pakistan ODI tri series 2026?
Our prediction is a Pakistan vs England final, with Pakistan winning at home thanks to their pace attack and Babar Azam’s experience. Sri Lanka are the outsiders but can win games in Lahore.
Final Thoughts Before the First Ball
The Pakistan ODI tri series 2026 looks small on the calendar, but it carries real weight. Pakistan get a home title chance without Rizwan, England test their depth without Buttler and Archer, and Sri Lanka bring a young group that already has Asian Games bronze. With dry weather expected and flat pitches in Rawalpindi, the runs should flow before Lahore’s spin friendly surfaces bring the bowlers back into the contest. Our money is on Shaheen’s side lifting the trophy on October 31, but England’s batting makes this far from certain.
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