Pakistan will meet Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI tri-series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, 31 October 2026. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00pm Pakistan time, with the toss at 12:30pm.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka final: match details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, final |
| Date | Saturday, 31 October 2026 |
| Toss | 12:30pm PKT |
| Start time | 1:00pm PKT |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Pakistan captain | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Sri Lanka captain | Kusal Mendis |
How the two teams reached the final
Pakistan were the first side to qualify after winning their opening three matches. Their campaign included a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka and an 87-run win against England in Rawalpindi, followed by a dramatic one-wicket victory over England in Lahore. Shadab Khan’s unbeaten century and the late partnership with Haris Rauf turned that match around.
Sri Lanka secured their place in the final by defeating Pakistan by eight wickets on 27 October. Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in 25.3 overs, with left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka taking five wickets for 34 runs. Sri Lanka reached 114 for two in 18.1 overs.
In the final league fixture on 29 October, England defeated Sri Lanka by 55 runs. That result did not change the two finalists. Pakistan and Sri Lanka now meet again with the trophy at stake.
Three areas that could decide the final
1. Pakistan’s top-order response
Pakistan’s batting collapse in the previous meeting gives the hosts a clear area to address. The top order will need to manage the new ball carefully, avoid losing several wickets in the powerplay and give the middle order a stable platform. A competitive total will depend on partnerships rather than one isolated innings.
2. Handling Dilshan Madushanka
Madushanka’s five-wicket performance on 27 October showed how much pressure Sri Lanka’s left-arm pace can create when the ball moves early. Pakistan’s batters will need to judge the line, leave well outside off stump and avoid forcing shots before they are set. The opening overs could shape the rest of the innings.
3. Pakistan’s pace attack against Sri Lanka’s middle order
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf give Pakistan several ways to attack with pace. Their challenge will be to take early wickets without allowing easy scoring when Sri Lanka rebuild. Sri Lanka’s batting depth and the ability of players such as Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis to manage the middle overs will be important.
What Pakistan need to improve
The hosts have shown that they can win close matches, but the final requires a more complete performance than the one produced in the last meeting with Sri Lanka. Better shot selection, fewer soft dismissals and a more disciplined approach against the new ball would reduce pressure on the lower order. With the ball, early control and accurate lengths will be essential.
What fans should check before travelling
Supporters planning to attend should confirm ticket availability, entry arrangements and any stadium advisories through the Pakistan Cricket Board before leaving for Gaddafi Stadium. Ticket inventory and match-day instructions can change. The scheduled start is 1:00pm, so spectators should allow time for travel and security checks.
The final gives Pakistan a home opportunity to respond to their league-stage defeat, while Sri Lanka will look to repeat the disciplined bowling and composed chase that earned them their place in the title match. The result will depend on execution on the day rather than the teams’ earlier records alone.
Official match update: Pakistan Cricket Board final preview and match timings