Rawalpindi: Pakistan handed wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig his One Day International (ODI) debut on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field in the opening match of the ODI tri series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Saad, a former Pakistan Under 19 captain, was selected ahead of wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori, who made his ODI and Test debuts earlier this year.

The left landed batter earned his place after scoring 1,000 runs during the 2025 to 26 Quaid e Azam Trophy season, Pakistan's first-class cricket competition.

Meanwhile, Pakistan all rounder Shadab Khan and spinner Sufyan Moqim were ruled out of the opening match because of illness.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the team's medical staff were treating both players.

According to the PCB, it will monitor their recovery before considering them for selection in the remaining matches.

The tri-series is part of Pakistan's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, as the team seeks to end its nine year wait for an International Cricket Council (ICC) trophy.

Under captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan have spent the past year rebuilding their ODI squad and have won their home series during that period.

Pakistan's previous ODI assignments were played on spin friendly pitches, including the series against Australia in May and June.

However, the pitches prepared for the tri series are expected to offer more pace, bounce and movement to help players prepare for conditions in South Africa, where the World Cup will be held.

Shaheen said team management had been developing the squad across four ODI series, with preparations focused on the World Cup.

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman also acknowledged the team's ambition to win an ICC tournament, saying players had discussed their preparations and were committed to improving their performances.

Pakistan entered the opening match with Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig, Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.

Sri Lanka's playing XI comprised Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, captain and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

The opening match marks the start of the tri series, which Pakistan are using to assess their squad and playing conditions ahead of the 2027 World Cup.