Thursday Nov 12, 2026
Thursday Nov 12, 2026
Saturday, 31 October 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Pakistan Captain Shaheen Afridi (left) and Sri Lanka Captain Kusal Mendis with the Tri-Series trophy
LAHORE: The stage is set for a blockbuster final of the ODI Tri-Series between Asian giants Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium here today after a week in which the hosts swung from one of their most dramatic wins in years to one of their most chastening defeats.
How Shaheen Afridi’s side responds to being bowled out for 110 will shape the outcome of a tournament that doubles as preparation for the 2027 World Cup. Pakistan’s route to the final went through Sunday’s one-wicket victory over England, in which Shadab Khan made an unbeaten 113 from number eight and shared an unbroken 89-run last-wicket stand with Haris Rauf to chase 242 from 154 for 9. That result secured qualification. Two days later, against Sri Lanka in the same city, the side looked like a different team as they were bowled out for 110 in 25.5 overs with left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka taking a career-best 5/34.
The contrast between the two matches raises the question of which version of Pakistan turns up on Saturday. The side that beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the opening match, thanks to Salman Ali Agha’s 107 and a disciplined pace attack, is capable of beating them again. But the top order has been a recurring concern across the tournament, and the middle order has been rescued by individual innings from Agha and Shadab rather than by a steady platform. Against a Sri Lanka side with a confident bowling group and a fresh sense of momentum, a collapse in the first 10 overs could prove decisive.
That win is dominant enough for Sri Lanka to go into the final with a slight psychological edge. That game aside, Sri Lanka’s dynamic big-hitting with the bat has lit the tournament up for them, especially that monstrous run chase of 430 against England. They have breached 330 twice this tournament, and boast of the top-scorer in Pavan Rathnayake.
This series has been the making of a new Sri Lankan star. A fortnight ago, Rathnayake was an unknown quantity, boasting of a handful of internationals and a heap of potential as yet unrealised. For the final, he is Sri Lanka’s talisman after lighting up the tournament. He has scored two big hundreds against England, demonstrating his dazzling ability as well as the nerve to hold his own under pressure. He has scored 350 runs, averaged 116.67, and struck at 123.67. It has been a perfect tri-series for the 24-year old, and on Saturday, it could get the perfect finish.
Sri Lanka’s bowling might not have had quite the same impact, but as Madushanka showed against Pakistan, it is capable of landing some devastating blows on its day. As far as handling the pressure of a final at the Gaddafi Stadium goes, Sri Lanka will be fairly confident they are up to the challenge.
Sri Lanka’s talisman Pavan Rathnayake, can he provide his team with a perfect finish
