PAK vs SL Final: Pakistan Elect to Bowl After Winning Toss; Sri Lanka Bat First

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are facing each other in the final of the ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, October 31. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to bowl first, putting Sri Lanka in to bat in the title-deciding contest.

Sri Lanka began cautiously against Pakistan's pace attack. At the early stage of the innings, the visitors were 10 without loss after 2.4 overs, with Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis at the crease.

However, the opening pair went on to build a substantial partnership. In the latest available match update, Sri Lanka had reached 171/2 after 31 overs. Kamindu Mendis was batting on 94, while Pavan Rathnayake was unbeaten on 23. Avishka Fernando had scored 38 before being dismissed by Salman Agha.

Shaheen Afridi Wins Toss, Pakistan Select to Bowl

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi decided to field first after winning the toss. The decision was influenced by the possibility of dew later in the match and Pakistan's confidence in chasing a target.

Shaheen and Naseem Shah opened the bowling for Pakistan. Sri Lanka initially focused on preserving wickets and building a steady start against the new ball.

The opening partnership eventually provided Sri Lanka with a strong platform, although Pakistan managed to break through when Salman Agha dismissed Avishka Fernando.

Pakistan Playing XI

Pakistan made a change to their playing XI for the final, with Faheem Ashraf replacing the unwell Shadab Khan.

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

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Sri Lanka also made a change, bringing Maheesh Theekshana into the team in place of Eshan Malinga.

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

Pakistan and Sri Lanka Eye ODI Tri-Series Trophy

The final brings together two teams with different strengths. Pakistan will depend on their pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, to restrict Sri Lanka's batting line-up.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will look to build a competitive total through their batting depth. Kamindu Mendis and the middle order could play an important role in determining the outcome of the contest.

With the ODI Tri-Series trophy at stake, both teams will be aiming to deliver a strong performance in Lahore. Pakistan will hope their decision to bowl first pays off, while Sri Lanka will look to put up a challenging total before defending it in the second innings.