![SL predicted XI vs PAK, Tri Series, Match 5 [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793013191045_SriLankaODI(1).jpg?type=hq)
SL predicted XI vs PAK, Tri Series, Match 5 [Source: AFP]
Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in match 5 of the ODI tri-series in Pakistan, as they face the hosts in Lahore on October 27, as they eye a place in the final. Previously, Pakistan beat them by 37 runs in Rawalpindi, so the game will give them a chance to avenge the defeat.
The Lankans are coming off a historic 430-run chase against England, winning by 2 wickets and with only one ball left in their last game. A win, regardless of the margin, would make them face the hosts for the third time in the series in the final. Ahead of the game, here's a look at their predicted XI for Tuesday.
Top Order: Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk)
In Pathum Nissanka's absence, Kamindu Mendis has taken up the role as Sri Lanka's first-choice opener. Despite being a valuable multi-dimensional player, Kamindu has not grabbed the opportunities in the format, and he will look to create some impact as he closes in on 700 ODI runs. He can also bowl ambidextrous finger spin and has 6 wickets in 17 innings.
Thanks to his domestic exploits, Avishka Fernando has made his way back into the team and scored a very well-made 97 off 83 balls to set up a record-breaking chase against England.
The openers will be followed by captain and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, who has been in fine form for a while. The right-hand batter got out without facing a ball in the last match but can play a crucial role in Sri Lanka's qualification to the final.
Middle Order and Allrounders: Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Dunith Wellalage
The middle-order of Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage played the most important role in their 430-run chase in the last match. Rathnayake, with his 130 off 106, became the leading run-scorer of the series, with 209 runs in 2 innings. Shanaka missed his century and ended at 97 off 50, and Liyanage added the finishing touches with 61*(27).
The number 4 to 6 batters will remain the same, followed by spin-bowling allrounders. Sahan Arachchige has 16 runs in two innings, but has over 3200 List A runs and 82 wickets with off-break bowling. Arachchige will bat 7, followed by Dunith Wellalage, who can add quick runs late in the innings and is just 3 away from a 50 ODI wicket landmark with his left-arm orthodox.
Bowlers: Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madhushanka
Slingy pacer Eshan Malinga will be one of the three pacers in the lineup. Malinga, who can operate across phases of play, picked 4/46 in the last Sri Lanka vs Pakistan encounter earlier in the series.
Asitha Fernando completed 50 ODI wickets in the last match and has 4 wickets in the last two matches played in the series. Fernando will be the designated new ball bowler for the Lankans with 36 ODIs under his belt.
The playing XI will be completed with the left-arm pace variation of Dilshan Madhushanka, who picked 2/67 in the last match against Pakistan. Among the three pacers, Madhushanka has the most ODI wickets, with 56 scalps in 33 innings at an impressive strike rate of 26.70.
Sri Lanka's playing XI vs Pakistan- 5th match, ODI Tri-Series 2026
Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madhushanka.
