Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday, 31 October 2026. It is a rematch of two very different league games: Pakistan won the first meeting by 37 runs in Rawalpindi, while Sri Lanka crushed Pakistan by eight wickets in Lahore four days before the final.
The toss is expected around 12:30 PM PKT, with play beginning an hour later. The match will be played under lights in the second innings, which could make chasing slightly easier if dew appears.
Gaddafi Stadium has produced mixed results in this tri-series. The surface generally offers good value for batters once they get set, but the new ball can move early, and spinners may find grip as the ball ages. The first two games at this venue were low-scoring, while the most recent match produced more than 715 runs, showing how quickly conditions can change.
The average first-innings score at this ground is around 251 in ODIs, with teams batting first winning 47 of 93 matches and chasing teams winning 44. That suggests a par total near 270–290, though a strong platform in the powerplay could push the game beyond th
Weather should not be a problem. Lahore is forecast to be dry and sunny, with temperatures around 29–32°C during the afternoon and cooler conditions under lights. Rain chances are minimal, so a full 100-over contest is expected.
PAK vs SL Match details
- Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Final
- League/Season: Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026
- Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM local time (PKT), 1:30 PM IST
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Format: 50-over day-night ODI
ENG vs SL Live Streaming Info
- Pakistan: Stream on PCB Live; local reports also list Tapmad and Tamasha. TV coverage is reported on PTV Sports and Geo Super.
- India: VETO is listed for live streaming. Reports differ on other services and TV availability, so check the platform’s current match listing before kickoff.
- Sri Lanka: Siyatha TV is reported as free-to-air coverage; Dialog TV subscribers can check ThePapare 1, and PEO TV subscribers can check PEO Sports 1. Mobile streaming is listed through Dialog Play.
- USA and Canada: The match is listed on Willow by Cricbuzz via TrillerTV.
Live Streaming Info:
The PAK vs SL Final ODI match will be live on TamashaWeb.
Live Score Info:
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Final ODI 2026: ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.
For Pakistan, this is a chance to win a multi-team ODI tournament at home, something they have not managed for a long time. Coach Mike Hesson’s side reached the final strongly, but their batting collapse against Sri Lanka in the previous game exposed a major concern.
Sri Lanka arrive with momentum and belief. Their eight-wicket demolition of Pakistan at the same venue was built around Dilshan Madushanka’s 5 for 34, which bowled Pakistan out for just 110. They will feel they already know how to win at Gaddafi Stadium.
Form and momentum
Pakistan’s recent form has been inconsistent. They won three of their last five completed matches, including victories over England and Sri Lanka, but the heavy defeat in Lahore came immediately before the final. Their batting has been capable of big totals, yet it remains vulnerable to quality left-arm seam and disciplined pressure.cricinfo+1
Sri Lanka have also won three of their last five. Their batting has looked more settled, with Kusal Mendis leading the side and players such as Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando and Pavan Rathnayake providing depth. Their bowling attack, especially Madushanka, Asitha Fernando and Dunith Wellalage, gives them multiple ways to take wickets.
Head-to-head
Pakistan hold the overall ODI advantage. The two teams have played 161 ODIs, with Pakistan winning 97, Sri Lanka 59, four matches ending without a result and one tied.
Their last five ODI meetings show how close this rivalry has become:
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 27 October 2026 | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets |
| 18 October 2026 | Pakistan won by 37 runs |
| 16 November 2025 | Pakistan won by 4 wickets |
| 10 September 2023 | Sri Lanka won by 138 runs, Asia Cup final |
| 6 September 2023 | Pakistan won by 7 wickets, Asia Cup Super Four |
Pakistan lead 3-2 across those five matches, but Sri Lanka won the most recent game and also beat Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup final.espn+1
Pakistan team analysis
Pakistan’s biggest strength is their pace attack. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf can strike in bursts, particularly with the new ball and during the middle overs. Shadab Khan and Arafat Minhas add bowling options, while Salman Agha gives the side balance as an allrounder.cricinfo+1
Their weakness is batting stability. Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in the previous meeting, and although Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Salman Agha can change a game quickly, the side needs one of them to bat deep. Babar’s role will be especially important in controlling the middle overs.
Probable XI: Maaz Sadaqat, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig, Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their balanced attack and confident batting unit. Kusal Mendis provides experience at the top, Kamindu Mendis can accelerate in the middle order, and Dasun Shanaka adds finishing power. Wellalage’s left-arm spin gives them control during the middle overs.
Their main concern is consistency against high-quality pace. Pakistan’s quick bowlers can exploit any early hesitation, and Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose wickets in clusters. Still, after bowling Pakistan out for 110, their confidence will be high.
Probable XI: Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushank
Key players to watch
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf could decide the powerplay. With the ball, Shaheen’s swing and Rauf’s pace can break Sri Lanka’s momentum early. With the bat, Babar Azam and Salman Agha must take responsibility if Pakistan bat first.
For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka is the obvious danger man after his five-wicket haul against Pakistan. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis will be crucial with the bat, while Dunith Wellalage could be highly effective if the Lahore surface slows down.
Pakistan start as slight favourites because of home conditions, their stronger overall pace attack and their better historical record against Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka’s recent eight-wicket win at the same venue cannot be ignored.
If Pakistan bat first and reach 280, their bowlers should be capable of defending it. But if Sri Lanka bowl first and repeat their early breakthroughs, they could well win another final against Pakistan. On balance, Pakistan are marginally ahead, with a predicted win probability of around 55–45, provided their top order avoids another collapse.