England return to international cricket after a three-week break, beginning their first of five winter tours with a one-day international against Pakistan in a tri-series format. According to The Guardian, the match takes place on 20 October 2026 at Rawalpindi, with play starting at 2pm local time (10am BST).
England arrive with recent momentum, having dominated the summer international schedule. At the Oval in their final fixture before this tour, they accumulated 355 runs before dismissing Sri Lanka for 132—a total barely exceeding the individual score Tom Banton had compiled. The form of Banton, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Gus Atkinson and Liam Dawson heading into this contest remains uncertain, as cricket's competitive landscape can shift dramatically between matches.
Pakistan began the tri-series with a commanding performance on 18 October, scoring 305 and dismissing Sri Lanka for 268, placing them atop the table with a positive net run rate. Salman Agha contributed a century in that victory, while Pakistan's pace attack proved decisive against the Sri Lankan tail.
England's ODI record in Pakistan presents a challenging backdrop. Over the past 21 years, they have played only three one-day internationals on Pakistani soil—all during the 2025 Champions Trophy, and all resulting in defeats. Their most recent 50-over victory in Pakistan came at Rawalpindi in 2005, when a side captained by Marcus Trescothick prevailed by six runs in a low-scoring encounter. That team featured Jimmy Anderson, who took four wickets, and Ian Blackwell, who claimed three. Adil Rashid, now a fixture in England's ODI setup, would not be selected for another four years.
What is England's recent form under Harry Brook?
England have built momentum under captain Harry Brook and coach Brendon McCullum following victories over India and Sri Lanka during the summer. However, Brook's away record as ODI captain shows mixed results: two wins and four defeats. England's possible XI includes Adil Rashid, fit again after missing the Sri Lanka ODI series, and Sam Curran, returning after a groin injury, while Jofra Archer was rested for the tour. The squad composition reflects a serious World Cup preparation strategy, with established performers leading a resurgent side.
What conditions will the teams face?
Rawalpindi's pitch typically offers pace and bounce, conditions that have suited Pakistan's fast-bowling attack. The venue hosted Pakistan's opening tri-series victory, where their seamers exploited the surface effectively. This day-night fixture, beginning at 2pm local time, may present different challenges as the match progresses into evening hours.
What is Pakistan's squad situation?
Pakistan's possible XI features debutant wicketkeeper Saad Baig, who featured in the opening match, while Shadab Khan and Sofyan Moqim had been ill but remained with the squad. The team enters this fixture with confidence following their dominant performance against Sri Lanka.
What happens next in the tri-series?
England are scheduled to play Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on 22 October. The tri-series final is scheduled for 31 October in Lahore, contested between the top two teams based on points and net run rate.
