LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan and Sri Lanka have stepped up preparations for the ODI tri-series final in Lahore, with both captains attending the trophy unveiling ceremony at Governor House on Friday.
Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis posed with the silverware during a photoshoot ahead of Saturday's title clash at Gaddafi Stadium. The ceremony came as both sides put the finishing touches to their preparations for the tournament's decisive encounter.
The final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 31, with the toss at 12:30pm and the first ball at 1pm Pakistan time. Pakistan will be looking to secure the title in front of their home crowd, while Sri Lanka will aim to finish the competition with a trophy after producing several strong performances during the tournament.
Shaheen targets improvement
Speaking at the trophy unveiling, Shaheen Afridi acknowledged the need for Pakistan's top order to deliver more substantial contributions in the final.
The Pakistan captain said the team needed to score more runs at the top of the batting order and build bigger partnerships to put itself in a stronger position. He added that the players were determined to produce a good performance in the title match.
Shaheen described Pakistan's overall campaign as encouraging, while also recognising Sri Lanka as a strong opponent. His comments highlighted the importance of batting consistency, particularly after Pakistan's struggles against the visitors in their previous meeting.
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Pakistan have shown promising performances during the tri-series but will need a more reliable batting display to overcome Sri Lanka in the final.
Sri Lanka ready
Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis described the final as an important fixture for his side, confirming that the team had prepared thoroughly for the contest against Pakistan.
Mendis' comments reflected Sri Lanka's determination to carry their momentum into the title match. The visitors have already demonstrated their ability to challenge Pakistan, including a convincing victory in their most recent encounter.
Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in Lahore on October 27 after dismissing the hosts for just 110 in 25.3 overs. Dilshan Madushanka claimed five wickets for 34 runs, while Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on 62 as Sri Lanka reached their target in 18.1 overs.
The result has given Sri Lanka confidence heading into Saturday's final, although Pakistan will be keen to respond on home soil.
England miss final
Sri Lanka secured their place in the final despite losing their last league match against England on Thursday.
England registered a 55-run victory after posting 386-5, powered by Ben Duckett's 167 and Tom Banton's 74. Sri Lanka fought back through Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 118, and Kusal Mendis, who added 89, but were eventually bowled out for 331.
England's victory was not enough to secure a place in the final, leaving Pakistan and Sri Lanka to compete for the trophy.
Key players
Several players will be under the spotlight when the two sides meet in Lahore.
Pakistan will look towards Salman Ali Agha, who has been among the leading performers with the bat, while Shaheen will also expect contributions from the top order. Arafat Minhas has provided an important bowling option, taking nine wickets during the tournament.
For Sri Lanka, Pavan Rathnayake has emerged as a major batting threat, while Kusal Mendis will be central to the visitors' plans. Madushanka, meanwhile, will be looking to repeat his impressive performance against Pakistan.