Sri Lanka in T20Is. [Source - AFP]Sri Lanka are set to take on Pakistan in the third T20I of the three-match series on Tuesday, October 13. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM IST in Rawalpindi.Pakistan have sealed the series with a 2-0 lead and will aim for a clean sweep, while Sri Lanka seek a consolation win, putting their predicted playing XI in focus.Ahead of the high-octane clash, here is a look at Sri Lanka’s predicted playing XI against Pakistan for the 3rd T20I in Rawalpindi.Openers and Top Order: Lahiru Udara, Sineth Jayawardena, Kusal Mendis (c & wk)Lahiru Udara is expected to open for Sri Lanka after emerging as their standout batter in the series, highlighted by his blistering 91 off 55 balls in the first T20I against Pakistan.Sineth Jayawardena, who scored 22 off 21 in 2nd T20I, is likely to retain his opening spot in Sri Lanka's predicted playing XI vs Pakistan. With three T20Is under his belt, he could get another chance following Kamil Mishara’s poor form.Kusal Mendis is expected to bat at No. 3 after opening earlier in the series. The Sri Lankan captain will continue his wicketkeeping duties and look to make an impact after a quiet couple of games with the bat.Middle Order and All-Rounders: Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu WickramasingheKamindu Mendis is expected to continue at No. 4 and will look to make an impact in what has been a poor first two T20Is for him. He has scored 321 T20I runs this year at a strike-rate of 135.44, underlining his potential.Sahan Arachchige faces a crucial opportunity at No. 5, with Sri Lanka needing more from their middle-order. He has averaged just 10.75 across four T20Is this year and will be eager to deliver in the series finale.ALSO READMaaz Sadaqat Almost Breaks Sahibzada Farhan's Historic Feat In PAK Vs SL 2nd T20IDasun Shanaka will bat at No. 6 in Sri Lanka's predicted playing vs Pakistan. As one of Sri Lanka's most reliable finishers, Shanaka has scored 399 T20I runs this year at an impressive strike-rate of 160.88.Chamindu Wickramasinghe is also likely to retain his place at No. 7 after replacing Dunith Wellalage in the 2nd T20I. His 29 off 24 balls in that match offered useful batting depth to Sri Lanka's playing XI.Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Vijayakanth ViyaskanthMaheesh Theekshana will continue to lead Sri Lanka's spin attack in the absence of the injured Wanindu Hasaranga. He has taken three wickets in the series, joint-most for Sri Lanka, but will need to improve on his expensive economy rate of 11.37.Dushmantha Chameera is expected to return after being rested for the second T20I. Sri Lanka’s leading T20I wicket-taker in 2026, he has claimed 23 wickets at an economy rate of 9.66.Eshan Malinga has been Sri Lanka’s standout bowler in the three-match series, taking three wickets at an economy rate of 9.44. The pacer will be vital if the visitors hope to prevent the hosts from completing a clean sweep.Vijayakanth Viyaskanth could replace Nuwan Thushara in Sri Lanka's predicted playing XI vs Pakistan in 3rd T20I. The leg-spinner has taken four wickets in his T20I career at an economy rate of 7.58.Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan For 3rd T20I 2026Lahiru Udara, Sineth Jayawardena, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth.ALSO READPakistan Predicted Playing XI vs Sri Lanka- 3rd T20I, SL tour of PAK 2026
