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Pakistan, Sri Lanka look to find the right mix as World Cup countdown begins

Babar Azam and Arafat Minhas offer Pakistan reasons for optimism as Sri Lanka continue their search for a settled combination

By Andrew Fidel Fernando · Cricinfo

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 1:22 PM

Key Things to Know

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are using their upcoming ODI tri-series to settle combinations ahead of the World Cup.
Pakistan recently secured a 2-1 ODI series victory against Australia, led by emerging all-rounder Arafat Minhas.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis is seeking consistency for his team after suffering 22 international defeats in 2026.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Pakistan and Sri Lanka face each other in an ODI tri-series in Rawalpindi with less than a year remaining before the next World Cup. Pakistan enter the series with momentum following a 2-1 ODI series win over Australia, while Sri Lanka aim to stabilize their white-ball lineup after a challenging 2026 campaign that featured 22 defeats across all formats.

Key focus surrounds Pakistan's Babar Azam and emerging all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who was named Player of the Series against Australia. For Sri Lanka, captain Kusal Mendis leads a reshuffled side with batter Lahiru Udara contending for his ODI debut following a hamstring injury to opener Pathum Nissanka.

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Pakistan, Sri Lanka look to find the right mix as World Cup countdown begins

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