Pakistan 23/1 after six overs as Sri Lanka's Dilshan Madushanka strikes early against Pakistan in ODI tri-series

Madushanka breaks through as Pakistan start cautiously

Sri Lanka drew first blood in their ODI tri-series clash against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka dismissing opener Fakhar Zaman in the sixth over. Pakistan were 23 for 1 at the end of six overs, with Babar Azam and Maaz Sadaqat at the crease.

Fakhar Zaman was undone by an extra-bounce delivery just outside off stump. He presented the full face of the bat to defend it, but the ball rose sharply to strike the shoulder of the bat, and Pavan Rathnayake ran in from backward point to take a simple catch on the off side.

Babar Azam, promoted to number 3, looked fluent after a few watchful overs. He pulled Asitha Fernando for four through backward square leg and later punched Madushanka through the covers for another boundary. Avishka Fernando produced a sharp diving stop in the short mid-wicket region to deny Babar a run.

"A good sign for Pakistan. You know, any player can come and win the game for us, which is good." - Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi, reflecting on his side's previous match against England

Toss decisions made with dew in mind

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to field. He said dew was a key factor in the decision, adding that he trusted his batting unit after their strong performance in the previous match. Sri Lanka chased 430 against England in their last game, and Mendis praised the partnerships built by Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka and Avishka Fernando.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi said his side would also have bowled first. "We would have also bowled first because in the second half, there's a little bit dew," he said. Afridi felt a total of 290-300 would be competitive on the surface, given Pakistan's bowling strength.

Pakistan made two changes, bringing back Maaz Sadaqat and Naseem Shah in place of Saim Ayub and Razaullah. Sri Lanka named the same combination that played their previous match.

Pitch expected to suit batters

Former Pakistan batter Aamer Sohail felt the surface would offer good batting conditions with consistent pace and bounce, though he expected some early grip for the bowlers. "It looks a belter. It's rock hard with a lot of grass covering, and I think it'll offer consistent pace and bounce," he said.

Pakistan will look to rebuild through Babar Azam and Maaz Sadaqat, while Sri Lanka will look to press home their early advantage with the new ball and Madushanka leading the attack.