Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, October 31. Both teams will compete for the trophy after securing their places in the title decider, setting up another important contest between the two Asian sides.
Pakistan qualified for the final after winning their first three league matches, although they suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in their most recent meeting. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, secured their place in the final with that victory over Pakistan before finishing the league stage with a defeat against England.
The hosts will be determined to bounce back in front of their home crowd, while Sri Lanka will look to carry their recent success against Pakistan into the final.
The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM Pakistan time, with the toss taking place at 12:30 PM.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Final: Match Details
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Final |
| Tournament | Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 |
| Date | October 31, 2026 |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Start Time | 1:00 PM PKT |
| Toss Time | 12:30 PM PKT |
| Format | One-Day International |
| Pakistan Captain | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Sri Lanka Captain | Kusal Mendis |
Team Preview: Pakistan
Pakistan will enter the final looking to recover from their disappointing performance against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament. The hosts were bowled out for just 110 in that match, with Dilshan Madushanka taking five wickets. Sri Lanka completed the chase comfortably, winning by eight wickets.
Despite that setback, Pakistan have demonstrated their ability to compete throughout the tournament. Their earlier victories over Sri Lanka and England helped them secure qualification, while Shadab Khan’s unbeaten 113 against England in a thrilling one-wicket win was one of the highlights of their campaign.
Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha will be important to Pakistan’s batting plans. Shadab has also provided valuable contributions, while Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat offer additional options at the top of the order.
The bowling attack will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf providing pace. Abrar Ahmed and Arafat Minhas offer spin options that could become important during the middle overs.
Pakistan will need a much stronger batting performance to challenge Sri Lanka and defend their home advantage in the final.
Team Preview: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have earned their place in the final with some impressive performances, including their eight-wicket victory over Pakistan. Their bowling attack dismantled the Pakistani batting lineup, while the batters completed the chase with plenty of overs remaining.
Dilshan Madushanka was the standout performer in that match, finishing with figures of 5/34. Kamindu Mendis then played a crucial role in the chase, scoring an unbeaten 62 to guide Sri Lanka to victory.
Kusal Mendis will lead the side, with Pathum Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka providing batting strength. The middle order has shown the ability to build partnerships and accelerate when required.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack includes Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Dunith Wellalage. Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera are also available as options.
The visitors will aim to repeat their disciplined bowling performance from the previous encounter and put Pakistan under pressure from the beginning.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Final: Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan Predicted XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Sri Lanka Predicted XI: Avishka Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Pitch Report: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Gaddafi Stadium has produced competitive batting conditions during the tri-series, with teams capable of scoring heavily when they build partnerships and use the powerplay effectively.
The surface generally offers good opportunities for stroke-making, although spinners and fast bowlers who vary their pace can create difficulties during the middle overs. The team batting first will aim to build a strong total, while the chasing side will need to manage the required run rate carefully.
Pakistan’s recent collapse against Sri Lanka showed that even established batters can struggle when the bowling attack maintains pressure. Both teams will need to show patience and avoid losing wickets in clusters.
Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
| Matches | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | Tied | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 162 | 98 wins | 59 wins | 1 | 4 |
Pakistan have historically enjoyed the advantage in ODI cricket against Sri Lanka. However, the visitors have shown strong form during the current tournament and will enter the final with confidence after their recent victory over the hosts.
Players to Watch
Babar Azam (Pakistan): Babar remains one of Pakistan’s most important batters. His ability to build an innings and control the middle overs could be crucial in the final.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): The captain will lead the pace attack and look to make early breakthroughs. His opening spell could have a major impact on Sri Lanka’s innings.
Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka): Kamindu scored an unbeaten 62 in the previous meeting against Pakistan. His ability to handle pressure and build partnerships makes him a key player.
Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka): Madushanka’s five-wicket performance against Pakistan demonstrated his threat with the new ball. He will be looking to repeat that performance in the final.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Final Live Streaming
The final will begin at 1:00 PM Pakistan time on October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
-
Pakistan: PTV Sports on television; Tapmad, Tamasha and PCB Live app for online streaming.
-
Sri Lanka: Dialog TV, Peo TV and Siyatha TV.
-
India: Veto digital.
-
United Kingdom: Sky Sports.
-
USA and Canada: Willow TV.
-
Australia: Fox Sports.
-
MENA region: Cricbuzz.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win the Final?
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have both shown the quality needed to win the tournament, but their recent meeting gives the visitors confidence heading into the final.
Pakistan will be eager to respond after being dismissed for 110, and their batting lineup has enough experience to produce a much stronger performance. Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha will be important, while Shadab Khan could once again make a difference with his all-round ability.
Sri Lanka have momentum after their convincing victory over Pakistan. Their bowling attack, particularly Madushanka, could prove decisive if they maintain the same discipline.
Prediction: Pakistan have the opportunity to bounce back and win the tri-series final on home soil, but Sri Lanka’s recent form makes this a closely contested match. The performance of Pakistan’s top order could be the deciding factor.
