The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch report points to a pitch that has helped the chasing side in ODIs. The average first innings score is 242, so a total of 240 to 250 is a good target. Sunny weather and a low chance of rain are expected for the PAK vs SL 1st ODI on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The match starts at 1:00 PM local time (1:30 PM IST) in Rawalpindi, with the toss expected at 1:00 PM IST.
This is the opening match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series, which also features England. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in the recent T20I series at this venue.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report for PAK vs SL 1st ODI
| Factor | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Pitch type | To be confirmed, with scores in the low 240s on average |
| Par first innings score | 240 to 250 |
| Best for batting | The first innings, with the average falling by 24 runs in the second |
| Fast bowlers | New ball, though no pace or swing data was available |
| Spinners | To be confirmed |
| Outfield | To be confirmed |
| Toss advantage | Bowling first has won 18 ODIs here and batting first 12 |
Phase-by-Phase Pitch Behaviour
| Phase | How the Pitch Is Likely to Play |
|---|---|
| Overs 1 to 10 | The new ball is the main chance for bowlers, and the weather is clear and sunny |
| Overs 11 to 40 | Batters can settle and build a total if the pitch stays true |
| Overs 41 to 50 | Scoring should rise, and the average first innings score here is 242 |
| Second innings | The average is 218, so the chasing side needs a steady start |
How the Pitch Plays at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Details on the soil, grass cover and bounce have not been confirmed. The venue stats show 31 ODIs, with 12 won batting first and 18 won bowling first, and one match not won by either side.
The average first innings score is 242, and the average second innings score is 218. The highest total here is 337/3 in 48.2 overs by Pakistan against New Zealand, and the same innings is also the highest chase. The lowest total is 104/10 in 33 overs by Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka, and the lowest score defended is 206/9 in 50 overs by England against Pakistan. Big chases and low scores have both happened here.
Also Read: PAK vs SL 1st ODI 2026: List of Umpires
Rawalpindi Weather Forecast for PAK vs SL 1st ODI
| Detail | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, October 18, 2026 |
| Conditions | Sunny and hazy |
| Temperature | Up to 29°C, with a RealFeel of 30°C |
| Rain chance | 0% to 1% |
| Cloud cover | 2% |
| Humidity | Around 40% |
| Wind | 6 to 9 km/h, with gusts up to 19 km/h |
| Evening temperature | 26°C at 7 PM and 21°C at 10 PM |
A full game looks likely. The conditions are dry and sunny, and wind should not be a big factor. Humidity is around 40%, so heavy dew is not expected, although this is not confirmed.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ODI Records and Stats
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 31 |
| Won batting first | 12 |
| Won bowling first | 18 |
| Average first innings score | 242 |
| Average second innings score | 218 |
| Highest total | 337/3 (48.2 overs) by Pakistan vs New Zealand |
| Lowest total | 104/10 (33 overs) by Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka |
| Highest score chased | 337/3 (48.2 overs) by Pakistan vs New Zealand |
| Lowest score defended | 206/9 (50 overs) by England vs Pakistan |
The ground has a capacity of 15,000 and hosts Pakistan and Rawalpindi.
Also Read: SA vs AUS 2nd Test Live Streaming
PAK vs SL ODI Head-to-Head
| Matches | Pakistan Won | Sri Lanka Won | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 163 | 96 | 59 | 8 |
What Should the Captains Do at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium?
Shaheen Afridi and Kusal Mendis will both look at the numbers before the toss. Bowl first if the toss is won, as bowling first has won 18 of 31 ODIs here and the average second innings score is only 218. Use the new ball well, as the weather is clear and early wickets can put the batting side under pressure. Aim for 240 or more if batting first, because the average first innings score is 242. Build the innings in the middle overs, and keep wickets in hand for a strong finish. Do not worry much about rain, as the forecast shows 0% to 1%.
Also Read: SA vs AUS 2nd Test Pitch Report
