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Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, October 31. Led by Kusal Mendis, the Islanders will aim to carry their recent momentum into the summit clash and finish the tournament with the trophy. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM local time (1:30 PM IST).
Sri Lanka booked their place in the final after defeating Pakistan by eight wickets in their previous league-stage meeting. The victory was built around a sensational five-wicket haul from Dilshan Madushanka, who restricted Pakistan to just 110 runs. Kamindu Mendis then guided the chase with an unbeaten 62, helping Sri Lanka reach the target in only 18.1 overs.
However, Sri Lanka suffered a 55-run defeat against England in their final league fixture on October 29. Despite Pavan Rathnayake’s impressive 118 and Kusal Mendis’ 89, they could not chase down England’s 387-run target. The Islanders will therefore need a more disciplined performance with the ball in the final.
Here is Sri Lanka’s predicted playing XI for the tri-series final:
Kamindu Mendis is likely to open the innings alongside Avishka Fernando. Kamindu has been among Sri Lanka’s most reliable batters in the tournament, and his unbeaten 62 against Pakistan in the previous meeting demonstrated his ability to handle pressure. His left-handed approach could also help Sri Lanka counter Pakistan’s right-arm pace attack.
Avishka Fernando is expected to provide an attacking option at the other end. He will need to make the most of the powerplay and avoid allowing Pakistan’s fast bowlers to dictate the early proceedings. His ability to score quickly could give Sri Lanka the platform required for a competitive total.
Captain and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis should occupy the No. 3 position. He scored a fluent 89 against England in the previous match, showing encouraging form ahead of the final. His responsibility will be to anchor the innings and build partnerships with the middle-order batters.
Pavan Rathnayake is expected to bat at No. 4. The young batter has been one of the biggest positives for Sri Lanka during the tournament. His 118 against England was another example of his ability to construct a long innings while maintaining an impressive scoring rate. He will be an important player against Pakistan’s experienced bowling attack.
Sahan Arachchige could follow at No. 5, offering stability and useful spin-bowling options. His ability to rotate the strike and contribute with the ball makes him a valuable member of the combination. He also picked up two wickets in Sri Lanka’s previous victory against Pakistan.
Janith Liyanage is likely to bat at No. 6. He can provide additional batting depth and help Sri Lanka accelerate during the final overs. His all-round abilities also give Kusal Mendis another option when managing the bowling attack.
Dasun Shanaka is expected to feature at No. 7. The experienced all-rounder can change the momentum with his power-hitting and provide useful medium-pace overs. His finishing ability could be particularly important if Sri Lanka’s top order builds a strong foundation.
Dunith Wellalage should retain his place at No. 8. His left-arm spin can be effective against Pakistan’s right-handed batters, while his lower-order batting provides additional depth. Wellalage’s role will be to control the middle overs and contribute valuable runs when required.
Eshan Malinga is likely to retain his place as one of Sri Lanka’s specialist fast bowlers. His ability to bowl at different stages of the innings gives the captain flexibility, particularly when Pakistan’s aggressive batters look to accelerate.
Asitha Fernando should provide support with the new ball. His ability to generate movement and bowl disciplined lengths could be important against Pakistan’s top order. Sri Lanka will need early wickets to prevent Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman from building a substantial partnership.
Dilshan Madushanka is expected to lead the pace attack after his outstanding performance against Pakistan in the previous meeting. His five-wicket haul for 34 runs dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup and played a decisive role in Sri Lanka’s eight-wicket victory. His left-arm angle and ability to swing the new ball make him a major threat.
This is a predicted playing XI based on the latest squad information and recent team combinations. The confirmed lineup will be announced at the toss.
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