Sri Lanka have qualified for the final of the ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan after a convincing win over the hosts on Tuesday. Pakistan, who had won three consecutive matches before that game, were bowled out for 110. The final will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday, October 31, starting at 1:30 p.m. local time.
PAK vs SL Final: Key Details at a Glance
The final is a rematch of the tournament opener, which Pakistan won. Sri Lanka then won the most recent meeting between the two sides.
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Fixture | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, ODI Tri-Series 2026 final |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Date | Saturday, October 31 |
| Start time | 1:30 p.m. local time (Pakistan) |
| Eliminated team | England |
Head-to-head within this series stands at one win each. That makes the final a direct test of which side adapts better to the same conditions.
How Sri Lanka Reached the Final
First-Round Results
Sri Lanka collected two points from their first round of matches. They lost the series opener to Pakistan, then pulled off a historic run chase against England.
That result kept their qualification hopes alive. It also showed they could chase under pressure, a skill that carries weight in a final.
The Decisive Win on Tuesday
Sri Lanka needed a positive result against Pakistan to confirm their place in the final. They bowled Pakistan out for 110 and then chased the target comfortably.
A total of 110 is well below what a side typically needs to defend in ODI cricket. The chase was therefore a low-risk exercise, which should help Sri Lanka's confidence going into Saturday.
| Team | Series Path | Final Status |
|---|
| Pakistan | Won three consecutive matches, then lost to Sri Lanka | Qualified |
| Sri Lanka | Lost to Pakistan, won historic chase vs England, beat Pakistan | Qualified |
| England | Lost their first three matches | Eliminated |
Pakistan's Route and the 110 All Out
Pakistan's run to the final was built on three straight wins. Their third win came against England and secured the hosts' place in the final before the Sri Lanka game.
The 110 all out is the main concern heading into the final. Pakistan were dismissed in the first innings, which left their bowlers with little margin to work with.
Batting First vs Chasing
Pakistan's three wins and Sri Lanka's two wins give both sides a record of success in this series. The Tuesday result suggests the first-innings total may be the deciding factor again. A side that posts a competitive score at Lahore will put real pressure on the chasing team.
England's Exit From the Tournament
England lost all three of their matches and were eliminated. Their path was already difficult after two defeats in the first round.
A third loss, to Pakistan, confirmed the hosts' qualification. England's results leave them with no wins from three games, the weakest record of the three teams.
What to Watch in the Final
Three measurable factors are likely to shape the contest. Each can be tracked during the match.
- First-innings total: Pakistan's 110 shows how sharply the result can swing on one batting collapse.
- Chasing record: Sri Lanka have completed two successful chases in this series, including a historic one against England.
- Head-to-head: The two teams are level at one win apiece in this series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams will play the final? Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Where will it be played? At Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
When does it start? On Saturday, October 31, at 1:30 p.m. local time in Pakistan.
With both teams having beaten each other once, the final looks evenly poised on form. Batting first and the strength of the opening overs may decide the winner.