PAK vs SL | Sri Lanka keen to end ODI leg with consolation win while Pakistan push for clean sweep

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The ODI series reaches its conclusion on November 16 in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan, already leading 2-0, seek a dominant finish. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, burdened by back-to-back defeats, will be eager to produce a response after an inconsistent year as the 3rd ODI promises to be a fascinating clash.

‌The Rawalpindi finale comes at a pivotal stage for both teams as they reshape their white-ball identities ahead of a packed 2026 calendar. Pakistan have displayed the clinical composure expected from a side playing at home: disciplined new-ball spells from Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, decisive middle overs from Mohammad Nawaz, and authoritative run-scoring from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Their batting template has been stable – anchors at the top, acceleration in the middle overs, and confidence while chasing under lights.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, entered the match seeking stability after showing flashes of competitiveness but struggling to translate starts into match-winning totals. Charith Asalanka’s leadership has been promising, and several of their 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.

Given the contrasting trajectories, the final ODI serves as both a chance for Pakistan to reinforce dominance and an opportunity for Sri Lanka to reshape the narrative before departure.

Form Guide

Pakistan entered the fixture in commanding form, winning four of their last five ODIs. Their recent series against South Africa was competitive, but the home side emerged with renewed confidence after back-to-back wins in tight contests. Against Sri Lanka, they have been assertive: sharp with the ball in the powerplay, composed with the bat in chases, and tactically adaptable. Babar Azam’s return to fluency and the reliability of Rizwan in run-chases have strengthened the top order, while the pace trio – Shaheen, Naseem and Rauf – has generated breakthroughs at crucial stages.

Sri Lanka’s recent form paints a more uneven picture. They began the year strongly, securing wins against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe with effective pace bowling and disciplined middle-order batting. However, their performances have dipped in the current Pakistan tour, where struggles against high-quality pace and difficulties converting starts have cost them matches. Despite bright spells from Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lanka have lacked the sustained pressure required to win in Rawalpindi’s demanding conditions.

PAK: W L W W W

SL: W W W L L

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Head-to-Head

Across the long ODI rivalry dating back to 1975, Pakistan hold a commanding record: 95 wins to Sri Lanka’s 59. However, contemporary contests have been more evenly fought, with Sri Lanka winning several high-pressure matches in neutral venues over the past decade. Still, in recent years Pakistan have held the upper hand, especially at home, where conditions traditionally favour their fast-bowling core.

In Rawalpindi, Pakistan’s attack has been particularly effective, using early seam movement and later reverse swing to control innings phases. Sri Lanka’s victories in the last decade have often come through spin chokeholds and counter-attacking middle-order partnerships, but such patterns have not materialised in the current series.

The historical gap remains large, but the analytical focus highlights Pakistan’s recent tactical edge, particularly in powerplay control and chase efficiency.

PAK 95-59 SL

Pitch and Weather

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.

The venue has produced several high-scoring chases in recent seasons, and the historical trend favours teams batting second – with dew likely to assist strokeplay and reduce grip for spinners. Seamers remain central to both teams’ strategies, particularly those capable of exploiting the cross-breeze typical of November evenings in Rawalpindi.

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.

Team News

Pakistan are expected to retain their winning combination, with no major injury concerns reported heading into the third ODI. Shaheen Afridi continues to lead the side with tactical clarity, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan offer stability in the top order. Haris Rauf’s role as a middle-overs strike bowler remains crucial, and Naseem Shah’s recent rhythm makes him a formidable new-ball threat. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz add balance through all-round capability.

Sri Lanka entered the fixture with a desire to correct structural issues in the top order. Pathum Nissanka remains key as an opener capable of long innings, while Kusal Mendis’ wicketkeeping duties and middle-order experience are vital. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana remain the spin core, though conditions may challenge their impact. Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera are expected to share the new ball, hoping to replicate early breakthroughs seen in previous tours.

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

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

Broadcasting Platforms

The 3rd ODI from Rawalpindi will be available across major international cricket networks, with live coverage provided by regional sports broadcasters and global streaming services. Fans worldwide can watch the match through official digital platforms offering HD streaming, ball-by-ball commentary, multilingual audio feeds and real-time statistics, ensuring comprehensive access to the series finale.