Sri Lanka will look to continue their impressive form against Pakistan as the two sides prepare for another exciting ODI encounter in the tri-series in Lahore. Sri Lanka have already secured their place in the tournament final with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Pakistan, while the hosts will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing batting performance. With the Lahore pitch expected to offer assistance to both pacers and spinners, the upcoming contest promises to be an interesting battle. Pakistan will rely on their experienced batting line-up, led by Babar Azam, while Sri Lanka will look to maintain their momentum with a balanced bowling attack.


In their previous encounter, Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 runs, with Sri Lankan left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka producing a career-best performance of 5/34 to earn the Player of the Match award. Sri Lanka comfortably chased the target to register an eight-wicket victory. The result also eliminated England from the competition after they lost their first three matches. "We had a plan and followed it. Because of that, as a team, we were able to bowl them out for a low score," Madushanka said after the match.

Pitch Report:

The Lahore pitch has generally favoured bowlers in recent matches, with low-scoring encounters becoming a common feature this year. However, the venue witnessed several high-scoring contests during last year's Champions Trophy, when teams regularly crossed the 300-run mark. Fast bowlers could get some movement with the new ball, while spinners are likely to play an important role during the middle overs. Batting first has not been particularly successful in recent matches at the venue. As a result, the captain winning the toss is likely to prefer bowling first.

Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

Total matches played: 161

Pakistan won: 97

Sri Lanka won: 59

Tied: 1

No result: 4

Pakistan Possible Playing XI:

Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Ghazi Ghouri (WK), Minhas Arafat, Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah

Sri Lanka Possible Playing XI:

Lahiru Udara, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige / Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana / Asitha Fernando