Hand-picked stories you can't miss
Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, October 31. The hosts will be aiming to lift the trophy in front of their home supporters after becoming the first team to qualify for the summit clash. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM local time (1:30 PM IST).
Pakistan have enjoyed an impressive campaign, registering three consecutive victories to secure their place in the final. However, they suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in their final league-stage encounter, giving the visitors confidence ahead of the title clash.
PCB Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and head coach Mike Hesson will expect a stronger performance from their top order, particularly from senior batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. With Shadab Khan also returning to form, Pakistan have several match-winners capable of making the difference.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Pakistan for the tri-series final against Sri Lanka:
Fakhar Zaman is expected to open the innings alongside Sahibzada Farhan. The left-handed batter’s aggressive approach could be important against Sri Lanka’s new-ball attack, particularly if Pakistan want to make the most of the powerplay. Fakhar has the ability to take on both pace and spin, but consistency will be crucial in a high-pressure final.
Farhan has been another important option at the top. His ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries can provide stability to Pakistan’s opening partnership. He will need to avoid giving away his wicket cheaply and build a foundation for the middle order.
Babar Azam is likely to occupy the No. 3 position. The former Pakistan captain has not produced the match-winning contribution expected of him during the tournament, but his experience makes him a crucial player for the final. Hesson has publicly backed Babar and Fakhar, expressing confidence that the senior batters can deliver when it matters most.
Salman Ali Agha is expected to bat at No. 4 and provide stability to the middle order. The all-rounder has been among Pakistan’s most consistent performers in the tournament and has already demonstrated his ability to score important runs under pressure. His experience against Sri Lanka’s spin attack could prove valuable.
Hasan Nawaz is likely to follow at No. 5. The young batter has shown encouraging progress in the competition, and Hesson has specifically praised his development and ability to manage risk during chases. His responsibility will be to build partnerships while maintaining a healthy scoring rate.
Shadab Khan could feature at No. 6 after producing one of the tournament’s most memorable performances. He smashed an unbeaten 113 against England, rescuing Pakistan from a difficult position and guiding them to a remarkable one-wicket victory. His all-round abilities make him an important selection for the final.
Saad Baig is expected to take the wicketkeeping responsibilities and bat at No. 7. His presence provides Pakistan with another left-handed option in the lower middle order. He will need to contribute valuable runs and support the established batters if Pakistan lose wickets during the middle overs.
Faheem Ashraf could return to the playing XI to strengthen the pace-bowling all-rounder combination. His ability to contribute with the bat and deliver useful overs gives Shaheen additional flexibility. Pakistan may prefer his experience in a final, particularly if they want greater depth in both departments.
Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead Pakistan’s bowling attack and captain the side. His ability to take wickets with the new ball has been one of Pakistan’s biggest strengths throughout the tournament. He will be expected to put pressure on Sri Lanka’s opening batters and deliver crucial overs at the death.
Naseem Shah is likely to return if fully fit. He missed Pakistan’s previous match against England after dislocating a finger during the warm-up. His availability will be an important factor in the final selection, as his pace and ability to generate movement provide Pakistan with an additional attacking option.
Haris Rauf should complete the pace attack. His ability to bowl at high speeds and deliver effective variations makes him a valuable option, particularly during the final overs. He also demonstrated his batting determination by supporting Shadab in their record-breaking last-wicket partnership against England.
Arafat Minhas and Abrar Ahmed are alternative options if Pakistan decide to strengthen their spin department. However, the predicted combination offers a good balance of pace, spin and batting depth.
This is a predicted playing XI based on squad availability, recent performances and fitness updates. The confirmed lineup will be announced at the toss.
The Sports Live Hub (SLH) provides the most comprehensive gateway for global cricket fans to follow the international Matches.
Our hub sports live stream is optimized for high-intensity T20 action. By leveraging advanced server technology, SLH ensures that your stream remains stable even during the highest viewership peaks. Watch the battle without the frustration of buffering or lag.
The sport hub live streaming interface on SLH offers more than just a video feed. Fans can access a real-time AI Overview of the match, featuring live win-probability shifts, player impact scores, and ball-by-ball tactical analysis. It is the perfect companion for viewers who want to stay ahead of the game with professional-grade insights.
We are committed to making cricket accessible to a worldwide audience. By visiting the SLH portal, users can find verified pathways to watch sports live for free through authorized regional partner trials, free-to-air digital gateways, and promotional streaming passes. Join millions of fans globally as we witness the drama of the international Matches.
cricket
cricket
cricket