Pakistan win toss, elect to field against Sri Lanka in tri-series final

LAHORE: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first against Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI tri-series in Lahore on Saturday, with captain Shaheen Shah Afridi citing the possibility of dew and the presence of four fast bowlers in the team.

Shaheen said Pakistan would look to restrict Sri Lanka to a low total, while Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis said his side would aim to post a big score batting first.

Pakistan made one change to their playing XI, with Faheem Ashraf replacing Shadab Khan, who was unwell, according to Shaheen.

Pakistan make one change for the tri-series final 🇵🇰🏏

#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan | #BackTheBoysInGreen https://t.co/FafFjOBFLq

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 31, 2026

Sri Lanka also made one change, bringing in Maheesh Theekshana in place of Eshan Malinga.

Dew factor influences Pakistan’s decision

Explaining the decision to bowl first, Shaheen said the potential impact of dew and the team’s combination had influenced the call.

He said Pakistan would aim to dismiss Sri Lanka for a low total and give themselves a target to chase in the final.

🚨 TOSS ALERT 🚨

Pakistan win the toss and opt to field first in the tri-series final 🏏

#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan | #BackTheBoysInGreen https://t.co/TsthXLLIui

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 31, 2026

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to make the most of their opportunity to bat first and put Pakistan under pressure with a competitive total.

Pitch expected to favour batters

Former Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail, who provided the pitch report, described the surface as dry, with consistent pace and bounce expected.

He said fast bowlers would have to work hard, while spinners could find some assistance from the pitch. The surface was expected to offer favourable conditions for batting.

Pakistan began their tri-series campaign with three consecutive victories, beating Sri Lanka by 37 runs and England by 87 runs before edging past England by one wicket in a thrilling contest. The hosts secured their place in the final with an unbeaten record after their first three matches, with Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf starring in the narrow win over England.

However, Pakistan suffered a heavy setback in their final league-stage match against Sri Lanka on October 27, when they were bowled out for just 110 in 25.3 overs. Sri Lanka chased down the target in 18.1 overs, losing only two wickets to win by eight wickets and set up a rematch in the final. Dilshan Madushanka took five wickets for 34 runs to dismantle Pakistan’s batting line-up.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Maaz Sadaqat, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.

Sri Lanka: Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.