Summary Hosts need a major batting effort to secure maiden home title
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Sri Lanka posted 325 for eight in their allotted 50 overs against Pakistan in the final of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, setting the hosts a target of 326 runs to lift the trophy.
A superb century from Kamindu Mendis and an attacking 77 from Pavan Rathnayake powered the visitors to a competitive total after Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to field. Sri Lanka maintained a healthy scoring rate throughout much of their innings, although Pakistan's bowlers managed to pick up wickets during the closing stages to prevent the visitors from pushing towards an even bigger total.
A disciplined effort from Pakistan's pacers in the death overs Sri Lanka set Pakistan a target of 326 in the tri-series final #PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan | #BackTheBoysInGreen https://t.co/Go2Hbt9laX
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 31, 2026
The final brings together two sides that have already beaten each other during the competition, adding further significance to the title decider in Lahore.
Mendis leads charge
Kamindu Mendis was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, producing an impressive 131 from 128 deliveries, including 12 fours and two sixes. His innings provided the foundation for the visitors' substantial total and included a century completed from 107 balls.
He shared an opening partnership of 87 runs with Avishka Fernando, who contributed 38 from 49 deliveries before being dismissed by Salman Ali Agha in the 18th over.
Pakistan struck again when captain Kusal Mendis was caught and bowled by Salman for eight, leaving Sri Lanka at 109 for two.
However, Kamindu found an effective partner in Pavan Rathnayake, with the pair adding 146 runs for the third wicket to put Sri Lanka firmly in control.
Rathnayake scored 77 off 65 balls, hitting eight boundaries, before falling to Haris Rauf in the 45th over. Their partnership took Sri Lanka beyond the 250-run mark and established a strong platform for the final overs.
Pakistan fight back
Pakistan picked up important wickets towards the end of the innings, preventing Sri Lanka from maintaining the same momentum.
Shaheen dismissed Kamindu and Dasun Shanaka, finishing with two wickets for 50 runs from his 10 overs. Naseem Shah also claimed two wickets, removing Janith Liyanage and Sahan Arachchige, although he conceded 80 runs.
Salman Ali Agha was among Pakistan's most effective bowlers, taking two wickets for 44 runs in seven overs. Haris Rauf also finished with two wickets, conceding 60 runs in his 10 overs.
Shanaka provided a brief late acceleration with 17 from just nine deliveries, including two fours and a six. Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten on nine, while Asitha Fernando added six not out as Sri Lanka completed their innings at 325 for eight.
Road to Final
Pakistan entered the final after securing qualification with three victories during the league stage, including wins against England and Sri Lanka. The hosts had also defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in their opening match of the tournament.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, produced one of the competition's most remarkable performances by chasing down England's 430-run total in Rawalpindi, winning by two wickets.
The pre-final rituals The trophy takes centre stage at Gaddafi Stadium with the teams lined up for their national anthems #PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan | #BackTheBoysInGreen https://t.co/c1GfCUOTSQ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 31, 2026
The Islanders also defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in their subsequent meeting in Lahore, when the hosts were dismissed for just 110 runs.
Pakistan are seeking their maiden ODI tri-series title on home soil, while Sri Lanka will be looking to finish the competition with another trophy-winning performance. The PCB had identified the final as an opportunity for the hosts to secure a landmark title in front of their home supporters.
Pakistan now require 326 runs from their 50 overs to claim the trophy at Gaddafi Stadium.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.
Sri Lanka: Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
