After a convincing win in the Test series by 2-0, Sri Lanka will play against Pakistan in the first ODI match of the one-day series at Dambulla on Thursday.

This ground has proved lucky for Sri Lanka as they had won 9 successive matches here. Although, in last five encounters they lost four matches including two matches each against Indian and England.

The comeback of the spinning maestro Muthai Muralitharan will boost the morale of Sri Lankan team. Murali did not play in test series due to injury which he received during practice session before the first test match.

The aggressive opener T Dilshan has been ruled out of the first ODI match due to injury while the veteran left arm fast bowler Chaminda Vaas was left out from the squad.

Pakistan star all-rounder Shahid Afridi is back in Pakistan squad and former ICL player Ran Naved will make comeback in the International cricket through this match. The return of their key players will help Pakistan to perform well in the ODI series after slump in the test series.