Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI vs Pakistan- Final ODI, Pakistan Tri-Series 2026

Sri Lanka predicted Playing XI for ODI tri-series final [Source: AFP]

Sri Lanka are all set to face Pakistan in the final of the ODI tri-series in Pakistan 2026. The match is set to take place on October 31 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The clash will go live for fans at 1:30 PM IST.

Notably, Pakistan have dominated the points table in all four matches they have played against Sri Lanka and England, except for the fifth ODI. The hosts remained at the top. Meanwhile, on the other hand, Sri Lanka carved their way to the final after bagging two wins from the four matches they played. 

Now, ahead of the crucial and all-important final against Pakistan, let's take a look at the best possible playing eleven that Sri Lanka can field to get the best outcome in the match.

Top Order and openers: Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (C & WK)

The top order of Sri Lanka's batting pair will be continued with the reliable pair of Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando. Kamindu Mendis, so far, has bagged 128 runs in the series at a decent average of 42.66 and will continue to pair up at the top to give a solid foundation to Sri Lanka's beginning. 

Meanwhile, Avishka Fernando has been the second-highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in the tri-series, with 166 runs and an average of 41.5. He also has the highest score of 97 runs in the series and will be a vital cog in the final match as well. 

At number three, Kusal Mendis, the captain and wicketkeeper of the team, will come down to bat. Notably, Kusal Mendis has also accumulated 115 runs, but at a poor average of 28.75. Nevertheless, he will be expected to play a captain's knock in the upcoming clash. 

Middle Order and All-Rounders: Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage

Following Mendis will be Pavan Rathnayake, the highest run-scorer for the Lankans in this series. He produced terrific knocks to rack up 350 runs at an average of 116.66. His scores of 79, 130, 23, and 118 against both England and Pakistan make him a solid case in the middle order to anchor any top-order crumble.

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Dasun Shanaka can take position at number five in the batting order, with the experienced veteran batting at an average of 43 in this series and being a crucial all-rounder too. He has picked up one wicket so far while contributing in both departments. 

Sahan Arachchige will follow Shanaka. The all-rounder has picked up two wickets so far in the series at a very poor batting average. However, his effectiveness as an all-rounder will secure his place in the playing XI, where he carries the potential to trouble both Pakistan's batters and bowlers. 

Janith Liyanage, another crucial all-rounder option for Sri Lanka, who has averaged 74 in this series with 148 runs and one wicket under his belt, will also be crucial for the upcoming encounter. 

Bowlers: Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dunith Wellalage

Eshan Malinga, the right-arm pacer for the team, has so far picked up six wickets from the four matches he has bowled in, with best figures of 4 for 46 in this series. 

Meanwhile, Asitha Fernando, another pacer and an experienced veteran, who has taken seven wickets in this series with best figures of 3 for 59 and an average of 32, will be responsible for striking down Pakistan's batters during crucial phases of the match. 

Completing the pace trio will be Dilshan Madushanka, who will guide the pace battery, packing eight wickets under his belt from the four matches he has played in the tri-series so far. Notably, he bowled a sensational spell of five wickets for 34 runs against Pakistan in the October 27 match.

The spin department will be led by Dunith Wellalage, with Sahan Arachchige assisting him with his spin expertise. Wellalage, the spin sensation, can occasionally turn the match in the team's favour in high-pressure situations by troubling batters with his variations. So far in this series, he has scalped only three wickets, though.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI vs Pakistan- Tri-Series Final, 2026

Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

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