Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the fifth match of the 2026 ODI Tri-Series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, October 27. With the league stage approaching its final fixtures, both teams will be looking to secure valuable points and strengthen their chances of reaching the final.
The tournament features Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England in a seven-match competition, with each team facing the other sides twice before the top two advance to the final. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have already met in the opening match, and their second encounter offers another opportunity to assess their combinations ahead of the remaining games.
Pakistan, captained by Shaheen Shah Afridi, will look to make the most of playing at home. Their batting options include Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, while the bowling attack offers pace and spin through Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan.
Sri Lanka, led by Kusal Mendis, will aim to challenge Pakistan with a balanced lineup featuring experienced batters and a varied bowling attack. Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka and Dunith Wellalage provide all-round options, while Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera could play important roles.
With both teams targeting a strong finish to the league stage, the contest at Lahore promises to be an important fixture in the race for the final.
PAK vs SL 5th ODI: Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 5th ODI |
| Tournament | Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 |
| Date | Tuesday, October 27, 2026 |
| Start Time (PKT) | 1:00 PM |
| Start Time (IST) | 1:30 PM |
| Start Time (GMT) | 8:00 AM |
| Toss Time (PKT) | 12:30 PM |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Format | One-Day International |
| Pakistan Captain | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Sri Lanka Captain | Kusal Mendis |
Team Overview
Pakistan
Pakistan enter this match unbeaten, having won all three of their previous games and secured qualification for the final. Their latest victory came against England, when Shadab Khan scored an unbeaten 113 to guide Pakistan to a remarkable one-wicket win.
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will be important in the top order, while Salman Ali Agha has already demonstrated his ability to produce big scores. Shadab’s recent century adds further confidence to the middle order.
With the ball, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a standout performer, supported by Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed and Arafat Minhas. Pakistan will want to maintain their winning momentum and fine-tune their combinations before the final.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will be eager to respond after losing their opening match against Pakistan by 37 runs. They have since shown their potential with a victory over England, keeping themselves in contention for a place in the final.
Kusal Mendis will lead the side, with Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake providing batting strength. Dasun Shanaka and Dunith Wellalage add all-round depth, while Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera will be key to their bowling plans.
Sri Lanka need a disciplined performance against Pakistan’s in-form lineup. A strong start with the bat and early wickets could give them a realistic chance of winning.
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head ODI Record
Pakistan have historically dominated this rivalry in the 50-over format.
| Record | Result |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 161 |
| Pakistan Wins | 97 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 59 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 4 |
Pakistan’s strong overall record gives them confidence, although Sri Lanka will draw encouragement from their recent victory over England.
Players to Watch
Babar Azam (Pakistan): Babar’s ability to anchor the innings will be important if Pakistan lose early wickets. His experience makes him a key player in the middle overs.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): Shaheen has taken seven wickets in the tournament so far. His new-ball spells could put Sri Lanka under immediate pressure.
Shadab Khan (Pakistan): After his match-winning unbeaten century against England, Shadab will enter this fixture full of confidence. His all-round ability gives Pakistan an important advantage.
Pavan Rathnayake (Sri Lanka): Rathnayake is a batter to watch after his impressive run in the competition. His ability to build an innings could prove vital against Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka): The captain’s contribution will be crucial to Sri Lanka’s chances. He will need to provide stability and guide the middle order through challenging periods.
Official Squads
Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan.
Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (c), Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Avishka Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage.
PAK vs SL Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Saad Baig (wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas.
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando.
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
Gaddafi Stadium has produced competitive, high-scoring cricket during the Lahore leg of the tri-series. Pakistan’s recent one-wicket victory over England demonstrated that even a target around 242 can become challenging when wickets fall in clusters.
Batters who settle early can score freely, but bowlers may find opportunities through variations and disciplined lines. Pakistan’s spin options could be particularly important in the middle overs, while Sri Lanka will need to manage the pressure during the chase.
PAK vs SL Live Streaming Details
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Pakistan: PTV Sports on television; PCB Live, Tapmad and Tamasha for streaming.
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United Kingdom: Sky Sports and NOW.
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North America: Willow TV.
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Sri Lanka: Dialog, Peo TV and Siyatha TV.
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Bangladesh: T Sports on television and Tapmad for streaming.
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Australia: Fox Sports.
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India: Veto digital streaming.
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MENA region: Cricbuzz.
Who Will Win the PAK vs SL 5th ODI?
Pakistan are favourites after winning their first three matches and securing a place in the final. Their confidence will be high following Shadab Khan’s remarkable performance against England, while Shaheen Shah Afridi continues to lead an effective bowling attack.
Sri Lanka have shown they can compete with strong opposition, but they will need their top order to deliver and their bowlers to restrict Pakistan’s scoring.
Match prediction: Pakistan to win the 5th ODI. Their current form, home advantage and balanced squad give them the edge, although Sri Lanka have the ability to make the contest close.
