Sri Lanka bowl, Pakistan hand debut to Baig

Pakistan opt to deploy Shaheen, Naseem and Rauf in pace attack

By Danyal Rasool · Espncricinfo

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 8:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first against Pakistan in the tri-series opener.
Pakistan handed an international debut to 19-year-old wicketkeeper Saad Baig.
Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah reunited in Pakistan's ODI pace attack.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan in the opening match of the tri-series in Rawalpindi. Sri Lanka opted for a four-man seam attack alongside specialist legspinner Sachindu Colombage.

Pakistan handed an international debut to 19-year-old wicketkeeper Saad Baig. The hosts also reunited their frontline pace trio of captain Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah in an ODI for the first time since the 2025 Champions Trophy.

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Sri Lanka bowl, Pakistan hand debut to Baig

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