Shaheen Afridi wins toss; Pakistan to bowl first in ODI Tri-Series final vs Sri Lanka
Shaheen Afridi won the toss and Pakistan have elected to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI Tri-Series on October 31, 2026. The decision followed pre-match proceedings and the teams lining up for the national anthems.
Umpires were out in the middle and Pakistan's playing party was already on the field as the final approached, with Sri Lanka naming Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis to open their innings. The sides were due to line up for the national anthems, Sri Lanka's followed by Pakistan's, shortly before the start.
Aamer Sohail inspected the pitch and praised the groundsmen, noting there was hardly any grass and that the surface had been nicely rolled. Sohail assessed the track as likely to be excellent for batting but warned there could be some assistance for the spinners later in the game if dew did not arrive.
Pakistan's announced playing XI is: Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (WK), Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf (In for Shadab Khan), Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.
Sri Lanka named Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando as their openers with the full XI listed as: Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (C/WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Sahan Arachchige, Maheesh Theekshana (In for Eshan Malinga), Dunith Wellalage, Asitha Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.
Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis said the side were prepared to bat first, that the wicket looked better than in their previous matches, and that the team felt confident, having done well in a couple of games and with players aware of their roles; he added that recovery from recent fixtures had been going well.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi explained they wanted to bowl on the fresh wicket because the dew typically comes late, noted Pakistan had batted second in all their earlier matches and felt they had done well chasing, and confirmed Shadab Khan was not available due to illness.
Play was due to start shortly in the final of the ODI Tri-Series.
