Unbeaten Pakistan Take on Sri Lanka in Lahore ODI Tri-Series Clash

Pakistan have won all three of their matches in the tournament, including two against England and one against Sri Lanka, and have already secured a place in the final, scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at the same venue.

In their previous meeting with Sri Lanka, Pakistan registered a 37-run victory, with Salman Ali Agha scoring an impressive 107 off 90 deliveries. His innings featured nine fours and a six, while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling attack with three wickets.

Shaheen has claimed seven wickets in three matches during the tri-series. He also made history on Sunday by becoming Pakistan’s fastest fast bowler to reach 150 ODI wickets after dismissing England’s Tom Banton in the opening over of the match.

The left-arm pacer has taken 20 wickets in seven ODIs at Gaddafi Stadium, including two four-wicket hauls. He needs four more wickets to surpass former Pakistan great Wasim Akram, who claimed 23 ODI wickets at the venue in 18 matches.

Tuesday’s encounter will be the 162nd ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Pakistan have won 97 of the previous 161 matches, while Sri Lanka have recorded 59 victories. One match ended in a tie, while four produced no result.

Pakistan enter the contest after securing a thrilling one-wicket victory over England on Sunday. Shadab Khan struck his maiden ODI century, scoring an unbeaten 113 off 96 balls, including 13 fours and five sixes.

Shadab and Haris Rauf rescued Pakistan with an unbeaten 89-run partnership for the final wicket. Haris contributed seven not out from 19 deliveries, including a four, as Pakistan completed a remarkable chase.

Speaking to PCB Digital after the match, Shadab said the pressure was considerable but both players continued to encourage each other and maintain a positive atmosphere.

He also expressed gratitude to the team management and selectors for backing him, saying their confidence meant a great deal and that he was pleased to repay their faith with his performance.

Haris said he believed Pakistan could win from the outset and repeatedly encouraged Shadab to remain confident. He added that he eventually told his partner he would finish the match himself, expressing relief and happiness at helping Pakistan secure a memorable victory.

Both players said the closely contested win was particularly special and that they were delighted to bring joy to cricket fans across the country.