The Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 features Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka in a seven-match tournament from October 18 to 31. The matches are being played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the top two teams meeting in the final.
All three teams will use the series to prepare for future ODI challenges. Pakistan are playing at home under captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. Harry Brook leads England, while Kusal Mendis captains Sri Lanka.
Three Teams Compete for the Trophy
Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka will play each other twice during the league stage. Each team has four league matches, giving them several chances to earn a place in the final.
Pakistan have experienced players such as Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah. England have Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, and Adil Rashid in their squad.
Sri Lanka will depend on Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and other experienced players. Strong batting and regular wickets will be important for all three teams.
Pakistan Win the Opening Match
Pakistan started the tournament with a 37-run win over Sri Lanka on October 18 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan scored 305 runs and were bowled out in 49.5 overs. Sri Lanka made a strong start to their chase but could not reach the target. They were dismissed for 268 in 48.1 overs.
The victory gave Pakistan two important points and a positive start in front of their home crowd. Sri Lanka will need to improve in their next matches to stay in the race for the final.
Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 Schedule
The tournament has six league matches followed by the final. The first three matches are scheduled in Rawalpindi, while the remaining games will take place in Lahore.
- October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Rawalpindi
- October 20: Pakistan vs England — Rawalpindi
- October 22: Sri Lanka vs England — Rawalpindi
- October 25: Pakistan vs England — Lahore
- October 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Lahore
- October 29: Sri Lanka vs England — Lahore
- October 31: Final — Lahore
Rawalpindi and Lahore Host the Matches
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host the first three matches of the series. The teams will then move to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the final four games, including the final on October 31.
Playing in two cities gives fans in Rawalpindi and Lahore a chance to watch international cricket. Both grounds have hosted major matches and will be important venues during the tournament.
Who Can Reach the Final?
Pakistan will look to use home conditions to their advantage after winning the opening match. Their experienced batters and fast bowlers could play a major role in the remaining games.
England have a strong batting group led by Harry Brook, with Joe Root and Ben Duckett adding experience. Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back from their first defeat and earn enough points to reach the final.
The double round-robin format gives each side two chances to face both opponents. The results of the six league matches will decide which teams play for the trophy in Lahore on October 31.
FAQs
1. When is the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026?
The tournament runs from October 18 to October 31, 2026.
2. Which teams are playing in the tri-series?
Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka are the three participating teams.
3. Who won the opening match?
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs on October 18.
4. Where are the matches being played?
The matches are scheduled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
5. When is the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026?
The final is scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
