Pakistan target fourth straight win as Sri Lanka fight for final spot

LAHORE: Riding high after Shadab Khan’s stunning match-winning century against England, unbeaten Pakistan will look to continue their winning run when they face Sri Lanka in the fifth match of the ODI tri-series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Pakistan have already booked their place in Saturday’s final after winning all three of their league matches. However, the upcoming fixture presents captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and his team management with an important opportunity to strengthen their batting combinations and address concerns over the top order before the title decider.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be eager to secure their place in the final after defeating England by two wickets earlier in the tournament. A victory against Pakistan would guarantee them a spot in the title clash, while a defeat would leave England’s qualification hopes alive ahead of Thursday’s final league match against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan enter the contest following a remarkable one-wicket victory over England. Chasing 243, the hosts collapsed to 154-9 before Shadab produced a career-defining performance, smashing an unbeaten 113 off 96 balls, including 13 fours and five sixes.

His match-winning effort was supported by Haris Rauf, with the pair sharing an unbeaten 89-run partnership for the final wicket to take Pakistan home with 17 balls remaining. The stand set a new record for the highest 10th-wicket partnership in a successful ODI chase, surpassing the previous mark of 64 runs.

The century was Shadab’s first in ODIs and a timely response to criticism over his recent performances. He credited Haris for helping him navigate the tense closing stages, highlighting the importance of their understanding under pressure.

Despite the dramatic win, Pakistan’s fragile top order remains a concern. Saim Ayub has been released from the squad at his own request to return to domestic cricket and work on his batting form. Sahibzada Farhan has been named as his replacement.

The team will also expect greater consistency from experienced batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman to avoid another early collapse against a competitive Sri Lankan side.

Pakistan will draw confidence from their previous meeting with Sri Lanka, which they won by 37 runs. Salman Ali Agha scored an impressive 107 off 90 deliveries, while Shaheen claimed three wickets to help secure the victory.

Shaheen has taken seven wickets in three matches during the tournament and recently became Pakistan’s fastest fast bowler to reach 150 ODI wickets.

With Pakistan already through to the final, Tuesday’s encounter offers a chance to build momentum and resolve batting concerns. For Sri Lanka, the stakes are higher, as victory would secure their place in Saturday’s final and leave England facing an anxious wait.