The final One-Day International of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to get underway in Rawalpindi today.
The game is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m.
Pakistan has already clinched the series after defeating Sri Lanka by 6 runs and 8 wickets respectively in the first and second ODIs.
Sri Lanka will be eager to claim a win in the final game after showing flashes of competitiveness but struggling to translate starts into match-winning totals in the series so far.
Charith Asalanka’s leadership has been promising, and several of the top-order batters – Pathum Nissanka and Janith Liyanage in particular – have produced moments of grit, yet late-innings execution and wicket-taking consistency remain concerns.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have threatened in patches but have not been able to control periods the way Pakistan’s attack has.
The final ODI serves as both a chance for Pakistan to reinforce dominance and an opportunity for Sri Lanka to reshape the narrative before heading into the T20I tri-series.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known for its lively early overs, consistent bounce and a surface that gradually flattens into a run-scoring track. Pacers typically dominate the first hour, with lateral movement rewarding accuracy; however, once the grass settles, batting becomes increasingly favourable, especially under lights when the ball skids on.
Weather forecasts suggest a clear, dry afternoon, transitioning into slightly cooler conditions for the evening innings. With no expected rainfall, the match is unlikely to face interruptions.
Captains winning the toss are likely to field first, aiming to exploit early movement and chase with the benefit of dew-assisted conditions.
Sri Lanka (Probable XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera
Pakistan (Probable XI): Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
