Pakistan Opt to Bowl as Sri Lanka Retain Unchanged XI for Tri-Series Final

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, setting up a rematch of Thursday’s clash, which Sri Lanka won by six runs to secure their place in the decider.

Sri Lanka have named an unchanged XI, with young batter Pavan Rathnayake retaining his spot despite not having batted yet in the tournament. The visitors continue to rely on their experienced spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, while Dushmantha Chameera and Eshan Malinga lead the pace attack.

Pakistan, meanwhile, have been boosted by the return of spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has recovered from a minor injury. He replaces Mohammad Wasim in the side. Their attack features seamers Salman Mirza and Faheem Ashraf, along with spinners Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz.

The pitch for the final is expected to offer more assistance to spinners than the surfaces used earlier in the tournament, with the Rawalpindi square having endured heavy use over recent weeks.

Ahead of the match, both teams observed a minute’s silence to honour the victims of Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (capt), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed