Pakistan Debut Saad Baig as Shaheen, Naseem, and Rauf Reunite Against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening fixture of the ODI Tri-Nation Series against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The match marks the beginning of a high-profile tournament that also includes England, serving as a significant developmental step toward the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan used the series opener to hand a senior debut to 19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig. His inclusion is paired with the strategic reunion of Pakistan’s premier pace battery; Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf are featuring together in an ODI playing XI for the first time this season after being rotated during recent T20I fixtures.

Pakistan's primary pace attack featured together for the first time this season.

Salman Ali Agha Anchors Pakistan Innings

Pakistan posted a competitive total of 305 all out, headlined by a commanding century from Salman Ali Agha. The right-hander scored 107 runs off just 90 deliveries. His innings provided the necessary backbone for the home side as they navigated a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack on a typical Rawalpindi surface.

The middle-order resistance was tested by Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga, who emerged as the standout performer with the ball. Malinga finished with figures of 4 for 46 to prevent Pakistan from reaching a more formidable total in the final overs.

Sri Lanka’s Tactical Selection

Sri Lanka’s lineup featured a notable tactical shift in the spin department. With Wanindu Hasaranga unavailable due to injury, the visitors opted for leg-break bowler Sachindu Colombage as their primary specialist spinner. This selection meant Maheesh Theekshana was left out of the XI for the series opener.

The chase presents an immediate challenge for the Sri Lankan top order against Pakistan’s reunited pace trio. The discipline shown by Malinga and the rest of the Sri Lankan attack in the first innings has set a target of 306, requiring a scoring rate of 6.12 runs per over to secure a win in the first match of the triple-threat series.

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