Lahore: Pakistan will look to extend their unbeaten run in the ODI tri-series when they face Sri Lanka in the fifth match at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, while the visitors aim to secure a place in the final with a crucial victory.
Pakistan set to face Sri Lanka in fifth match of ODI tri-series on Tuesday
Details here ➡️ https://t.co/bBbpQ0JEgP
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Pakistan have already qualified for the final, while Sri Lanka need one win from their two remaining matches to join the hosts in the title decider. The encounter could also provide both sides with valuable preparation ahead of a potential rematch in the final.
The hosts enter the contest with growing confidence after a dramatic victory over England, while Sri Lanka will draw inspiration from their record-breaking chase against the same opponents as they seek to challenge Pakistan on home soil.
Pakistan look to extend unbeaten run
Pakistan have shown encouraging consistency in the ODI format, with their middle order and bowling attack delivering increasingly influential performances despite occasional concerns at the top of the batting order.
In their previous match against England, Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling attack with four wickets, while Arafat Minhas continued to impress with his performances.
However, Shadab Khan emerged as the standout performer, smashing a remarkable century at number eight to rescue Pakistan from a seemingly hopeless position and guide them to an unlikely victory.
Read Also: International Cricket Stars Hail Shadab Khan’s Thrilling Match-Winning Knock at Lahore
Pakistan will hope their recent performances translate into another strong display against Sri Lanka, with their pace attack and improving batting depth likely to play crucial roles.
The hosts have also made changes to their squad, with Saim Ayub returning to domestic cricket after a poor run of form. Maaz Sadaqat has been drafted into the side, while Sahibzada Farhan has also been called up as a replacement.
Naseem Shah, who missed the previous match as a precaution after dislocating a finger, could return to the playing XI if declared fit.
Sri Lanka seek another upset
Sri Lanka arrive in Lahore buoyed by their extraordinary run chase against England, when they successfully pursued 430 runs, the second-highest successful chase in ODI history.
That performance has strengthened their belief ahead of Tuesday’s encounter, although they suffered a heavy defeat against Pakistan in their previous meeting in the tri-series.
Avishka Fernando’s return to form and Pavan Rathnayake’s impressive run-scoring have provided encouraging signs for the Sri Lankan batting order. Captain Dasun Shanaka also remains an important source of late-order power.
Rathnayake has already scored 506 runs in his ODI career, becoming only the second Sri Lankan batter after Roy Dias to reach the milestone within his first 10 innings.
However, Sri Lanka will need greater consistency from their top order and improvements in their bowling if they are to overcome an in-form Pakistan side.
Kamindu Mendis could move down the batting order depending on the team’s final combination, while Sahan Arachchige’s place in the playing XI remains under scrutiny.
Pitch and weather conditions
Gaddafi Stadium is expected to offer opportunities for stroke-makers, particularly during the early stages of the innings, before the surface potentially slows as the match progresses.
Although the average first-innings score at the venue stands at 251, teams have crossed the 300-run mark in five of the last 10 ODIs played there, underlining the ground’s potential for high-scoring contests.
Batters who settle early could capitalise on the conditions, while bowlers may look to exploit any movement with the new ball. Spinners could also become influential during the middle overs.
The teams’ ability to build partnerships, preserve wickets and execute their plans in the closing overs could prove decisive.
Head-to-head and key statistics
Sri Lanka have enjoyed considerable success against Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium, winning five of their seven ODIs against the hosts at the venue since 1982. Overall, Sri Lanka have won 10 of their 14 ODIs played at the ground.
Three of the five highest ODI totals recorded at Gaddafi Stadium, each exceeding 350 runs, have been registered since the beginning of 2025.
Pakistan will also look to Babar Azam for batting stability. Among current batters, only England’s Joe Root has scored more ODI runs against Sri Lanka than Babar, who has accumulated 745.
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Probable playing XIs
Pakistan: Maaz Sadaqat, Fakhar Zaman/Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Razaullah/Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Match prediction
Pakistan will start as strong contenders, given their unbeaten record in the tri-series, home advantage and growing confidence following their thrilling victory over England.
Read Also: Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka by 37 Runs in ODI Tri-Series Opener
Sri Lanka, however, have demonstrated that their batting line-up can overcome formidable targets, making them a dangerous opponent if their top order delivers and their bowlers maintain discipline.
The powerplay, middle-order partnerships and death-over execution could determine the outcome of what promises to be a competitive contest.
For Pakistan, victory would preserve their unbeaten run heading into the final. For Sri Lanka, it would secure qualification and provide a significant confidence boost ahead of a potential title showdown.
