Lahore: Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Pakistan will face Kusal Mendis-led Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI tri-series at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, October 31. The match will commence with the toss at 12:30 p.m. PKT, followed by the first ball at 1:00 p.m.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, this tri-series is the fourth of its kind on Pakistani soil, with previous tournaments featuring teams like Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and England. Pakistan secured their place in the final with victories over England and Sri Lanka, marking a chance to claim their first ODI tri-series title on home ground.
Salman Ali Agha leads Pakistan's batting efforts with 158 runs, including a century against Sri Lanka. In the bowling department, Arafat Minhas has taken nine wickets, and captain Shaheen Afridi is tied with Sri Lanka's Dilshan Madushanka with eight wickets each.
The final will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, including PTV Sports in Pakistan and international channels like Willow TV in North America and Sky Sports in the UK. Commentators for the match include Mark Butcher and former Pakistan captains Aamir Sohail and Waqar Younis.
Both team captains expressed their readiness for the final. Shaheen Afridi highlighted the importance of improving top-order scoring, while Kusal Mendis emphasized following basic plans and processes. The match promises to be a significant event for both teams, with a supportive crowd expected at the stadium.