Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in ODI tri-series final today
Pakistan are set to face Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI tri-series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium today (Saturday), with both sides preparing for the title clash after securing their places in the tournament’s decider.
Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan will take on Kusal Mendis’ Sri Lanka, with the toss scheduled for 12.30pm and the first ball to be bowled at 1pm.
Pakistan became the first team to qualify for the final after registering two victories against England and one against Sri Lanka.
The hosts will be looking to win their maiden ODI tri-series title on home soil.
The ongoing tournament is the fourth ODI tri-series to be held in Pakistan.
Previous editions featured Australia and South Africa in 1994, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in 2004, and New Zealand and South Africa in 2025.
Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha is the leading run-scorer for the hosts, having accumulated 158 runs in four matches.
His tally includes a century against Sri Lanka in the opening match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
In the bowling department, young pacer Arafat Minhas has taken nine wickets in four outings, including a six-wicket haul in Pakistan’s 87-run victory over England.
Captain Shaheen is also among the leading wicket-takers, sharing second place with Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka after claiming eight wickets each in four matches.
Speaking to PCB Digital ahead of the final, Shaheen said Pakistan had performed well as a team but still needed to improve in certain areas, particularly scoring runs at the top of the order and building partnerships.
He expressed hope that the team would maintain its combination and deliver a strong performance, while urging fans to turn out in large numbers to support the side.
Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis described the final as a major contest and said his team was well prepared despite facing a strong Pakistan side.
“We played really well against Pakistan in our previous encounter,” he said, adding that Sri Lanka would focus on following its processes and sticking to its basic plans.
Mendis also welcomed the support Sri Lankan players had received from Pakistani fans, saying it had been encouraging for his team.