Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Prediction: Visiting batters can make a strong start

Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in Rawalpindi on Tuesday for the opening game of their ODI series (09:30 GMT). The teams face each other in three ODIs before Zimbabwe arrive for a Twenty20 tri-series, and Pakistan should be in good spirits after this month's 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa.

Below are my Pakistan vs Sri Lanka predictions, accompanied by team news and match odds. 

*You can check out all of our Cricket Odds over at betfred.com

Team News

Pakistan beat South Africa in their first ODI series under new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi last week, and they have named virtually the same squad for the clash with Sri Lanka.

Young batter Hasan Nawaz, who was dismissed for one in the first game against South Africa, has been released to play domestic cricket.

Sri Lanka left-arm paceman Dilshan Madushanka (knee) is sidelined, so Eshan Malinga should get an opportunity. Uncapped batter Pavan Rathnayake has been called up to the squad, but all-rounder Dunith Wellalage misses out.

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Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Odds

Pakistan are 4/6 to beat 6/5 shots Sri Lanka in the first ODI in Rawalpindi.

Fast bowler Naseem Shah is 3/1 favourite to be Pakistan's top wicket-taker, while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is 14/5 and spinner Abrar Ahmed, who took 3-53 and 4-27 in two ODIs against South Africa, can be backed at 10/3.

Kamindu Mendis to be top Sri Lanka batter @ 7/2

Kamindu Mendis has batted in every position from number three to number eight during his 24-match ODI career for Sri Lanka.

Whenever he comes in, the left-hander should pose a threat to Pakistan, and he cracked 57 off 36 balls from number seven against Zimbabwe in August.

Kamindu has made a sensational start to his Test career, averaging 62.66 in 14 matches, and he has the talent to be a matchwinner in 50-over cricket as well.

He started the year with useful ODI knocks of 64 and 46 in New Zealand and top-scored with 50 when Sri Lanka faced Pakistan at the T20 Asia Cup in September.

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