Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Dream11 Prediction – Final, Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026

Pakistan enter the final after an inconsistent finish to their league campaign. They qualified first after three consecutive victories but suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka on October 27. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, defeated Pakistan convincingly in that encounter before losing to England by 55 runs on October 29.

The final is scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The toss is at 12:30 PM Pakistan time and the first ball at 1:00 PM Pakistan time (1:30 PM IST).

The tournament’s standout individual performers deserve particular attention. Salman Ali Agha leads Pakistan’s run-scoring chart with 158 runs, including a century against Sri Lanka. Arafat Minhas has taken nine wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Dilshan Madushanka have eight wickets apiece.

For fantasy selection, the important question is whether Pakistan’s batting can recover against a Sri Lankan attack that recently dismissed them for 110. Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake also deserve consideration after their recent contributions. The final combination should favour players with substantial batting opportunities, regular bowling workloads and the ability to influence different phases of a 50-over innings.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Details

Recent ODI Fantasy Form

The recent tri-series matches offer useful information about player involvement. Rather than relying on unrelated T20 performances, the following analysis focuses on the current ODI tournament.

Pakistan: Players to Watch

Sri Lanka: Players to Watch

The most interesting contrast is between Pakistan’s batting and Sri Lanka’s recent bowling performance. Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in their previous meeting, with Madushanka taking five wickets. Sri Lanka’s batting also looks competitive following the contributions of Kusal and Pavan against England. For fantasy selection, Salman and Arafat remain important because of their tournament performances, while Sri Lanka’s leading batters and new-ball bowlers deserve serious consideration.

Probable Playing XI and Player Availability

Both teams have announced their squads for the final. The following are potential fantasy candidates based on the tournament squads and recent team combinations. These are not confirmed playing XIs.

Pakistan Probable XI

Sri Lanka Probable XI

Selection note: These combinations are provisional. Pakistan’s squad also includes Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Maaz Sadaqat and Ghazi Ghori. Sri Lanka have Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage and Lahiru Udara among their alternatives. Check the official team sheets before finalising the fantasy team.

ODI Fantasy Pitch and Venue Analysis

Gaddafi Stadium has historically produced good ODI batting conditions, although the current tournament has shown that bowlers can also dominate when conditions and execution favour them. Historical venue data records an average first-innings score of approximately 290 runs, with teams batting first winning more often than teams chasing.

The recent Pakistan-Sri Lanka match at this ground was a reminder that historical averages do not guarantee batting-friendly conditions throughout a game. Pakistan were dismissed for 110, and Sri Lanka chased the target comfortably. For fantasy selection, prioritise batters capable of handling the new ball and bowlers who can exploit early movement. A balanced combination of top-order batters and wicket-taking bowlers is preferable to selecting only specialist batters.

Player-by-Player ODI Fantasy Analysis

Wicketkeepers

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Kusal is one of the most appealing wicketkeeper selections for this final. His 89 off 71 balls against England on October 29 demonstrated his ability to build an innings and accelerate when required. He also captains Sri Lanka and is involved behind the stumps.

His position in the batting order gives him a better opportunity to face a substantial number of deliveries than a lower-order wicketkeeper. He should be among the first Sri Lankan players considered.

Saad Baig (Pakistan)

Saad is an option if Pakistan retain him as their wicketkeeper. However, his recent batting contribution against Sri Lanka was limited to five runs. His selection should be based on the confirmed team combination and expected batting position rather than wicketkeeping alone.

Kamil Mishara (Sri Lanka)

Mishara is another possible wicketkeeper selection, but competition with Kusal makes his place in the XI important to verify. Avoid selecting both Kusal and Mishara without first checking the official team combination.

Batters

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Babar’s experience and top-order position make him an important consideration despite his recent modest scores. He scored 29 against Sri Lanka on October 27 before Pakistan collapsed.

His ability to build long ODI innings remains relevant, particularly if Pakistan want to establish a stable platform in the final. The concern is that Sri Lanka’s bowlers have already found ways to dismiss him in this tournament.

Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

Fakhar’s attacking opening approach can be valuable in ODI fantasy contests. He can score quickly during the first ten overs and create a strong platform for the middle order.

However, his five-run dismissal against Sri Lanka in the previous meeting is a reminder of the risk associated with his aggressive approach. Consider him more seriously in higher-risk combinations than in a conservative team.

Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)

Farhan is an alternative opening selection from Pakistan’s announced squad. His inclusion should depend on the final combination, as Pakistan have several players competing for top-order positions. If confirmed as an opener, he deserves consideration for the additional deliveries he could face.

Pavan Rathnayake (Sri Lanka)

Pavan’s 118 off 77 balls against England makes him one of the most interesting selections for this match. He showed an ability to convert an opportunity into a substantial ODI innings, combining boundary hitting with the ability to maintain scoring momentum.

His recent performance deserves attention, but the final should not be approached with the expectation that another century is inevitable. His batting position and confirmed selection are the more important factors.

Avishka Fernando (Sri Lanka)

Avishka can provide Sri Lanka with an attacking start. He scored 48 against England on October 29 and has experience playing in the top order.

His main attraction is the possibility of facing a significant number of deliveries. However, he can be vulnerable against quality new-ball bowling, which makes his selection less conservative than Kusal’s.

All-Rounders

Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan)

Salman is my preferred Pakistan batting selection for this contest. His 158 runs in the tournament make him the hosts’ leading run-scorer. His century against Sri Lanka in the opening league encounter also demonstrates his ability to produce a substantial ODI innings against this opposition.

His all-round classification adds another reason to consider him, although his actual bowling workload should be checked rather than assumed. His batting role alone gives him a strong case for selection.

Shadab Khan (Pakistan)

Shadab’s maiden ODI century against England was an important development in his tournament campaign. He offers lower-middle-order batting potential and can contribute with leg-spin.

The main consideration is his expected bowling workload. If Pakistan use him regularly through the middle overs, his involvement becomes considerably more attractive. He is worth considering for both standard and aggressive combinations.

Arafat Minhas (Pakistan)

Arafat has been one of the leading bowling performers in the tournament, collecting nine wickets in four matches. That record makes him difficult to ignore in fantasy selection.

His left-arm spin can be useful during the middle overs, while his batting offers an additional possibility. His value is primarily driven by his current wicket-taking form and expected bowling involvement.

Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Kamindu’s 62 not out against Pakistan on October 27 demonstrated his ability to build an innings under pressure. His versatility with the bat makes him an interesting selection in the middle order.

He should be considered particularly when constructing a combination that does not depend entirely on top-order runs. His actual bowling involvement should be checked before assigning additional value to his all-rounder classification.

Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka)

Wellalage can contribute through left-arm spin and lower-order batting. His ability to operate during the middle overs makes him relevant at a venue where building pressure through spin can be important.

His recent figures against England were modest, so he is better considered as a supporting selection rather than an automatic Captain choice.

Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka)

Shanaka brings lower-middle-order batting and occasional bowling contributions. He scored 4 against England but did take a wicket in that match.

His fantasy suitability depends on how much responsibility he receives with the ball. Do not select him solely on his all-rounder label.

Bowlers

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)

Shaheen is among the most important bowling selections in this match. He has taken eight wickets in the tournament and is Pakistan’s captain. His new-ball role gives him an opportunity to strike against Sri Lanka’s top order.

He also has the potential to contribute during the closing overs. That combination of bowling phases makes him a strong Captain or Vice-Captain candidate.

Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka)

Madushanka’s five-wicket performance against Pakistan is the most compelling recent bowling display in this fixture. He has eight tournament wickets and should be considered carefully.

His left-arm angle creates a different challenge for Pakistan’s right-handed top order. The main concern is that Pakistan will have an opportunity to adjust after their previous defeat.

Asitha Fernando (Sri Lanka)

Asitha offers new-ball bowling and the potential to complete a substantial ODI workload. He took two wickets against England on October 29 and bowled his full ten-over allocation.

His selection is supported by his role rather than simply his recent wicket count. He is a sensible option for teams looking to strengthen their specialist bowling selections.

Haris Rauf (Pakistan)

Rauf is another important pace-bowling candidate. His pace and potential involvement in the closing overs create opportunities for wickets, particularly when batters attempt to accelerate.

However, his recent tournament performances should be assessed alongside Shaheen and Arafat rather than treating all Pakistan bowlers as equally attractive.

Naseem Shah (Pakistan)

Naseem can be considered if selected in the final XI. His new-ball ability gives him an opportunity to strike early, although his workload and place in Pakistan’s final bowling combination should be checked.

Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)

Theekshana is a potential alternative if Sri Lanka prefer additional spin. His middle-over role can be useful, particularly if the pitch offers grip. However, his inclusion must be confirmed before making him part of the main combination.

Best Safe Fantasy Picks

Differential Fantasy Picks

Shadab is particularly interesting because his recent batting performance gives him an alternative route to contributing. Kamindu is a more measured middle-order option, while Asitha can benefit from early wickets if Pakistan struggle against the new ball.

Players to Avoid or Treat with Caution

These players are not poor cricketers. The concern is whether their expected involvement justifies a place in the main fantasy combination.

Captain Choices

Captain Option 1 – Salman Ali Agha

Salman is my preferred Captain because he combines a substantial tournament batting contribution with an important middle-order role. His century against Sri Lanka earlier in the competition is particularly relevant because it shows that he can succeed against this bowling attack.

He can contribute by building an innings rather than relying entirely on aggressive scoring. If he also receives a meaningful bowling workload, that adds to his appeal.

The main risk is Pakistan’s recent batting collapse against Sri Lanka. A repeat of that situation would limit his opportunity.

Captain Option 2 – Kusal Mendis

Kusal is the alternative Captain, particularly for fantasy players who expect Sri Lanka’s batting to perform well. His recent 89-run innings against England demonstrated his current batting potential.

His wicketkeeping involvement gives him another source of possible fantasy contributions. Compared with Salman, Kusal offers a different batting profile and has the advantage of recent success against a strong ODI attack.

Vice-Captain Choices

Vice-Captain Option 1 – Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen is my preferred Vice-Captain for a balanced combination. His eight tournament wickets reflect his importance to Pakistan’s bowling attack. The new-ball role gives him an opportunity to dismiss Sri Lanka’s openers, while his involvement in the later overs can create further wicket-taking chances.

The risk is that Sri Lanka’s batters may negotiate his opening spell successfully, limiting his impact.

Vice-Captain Option 2 – Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu is an alternative for those who prefer a batting-based Vice-Captain. His unbeaten 62 against Pakistan in the previous meeting demonstrated his ability to remain at the crease and build an innings.

His all-round classification should not automatically influence the decision. His strongest fantasy argument is his batting opportunity and ability to contribute a substantial score.

Suggested Fantasy XI

Captain: Salman Ali Agha

Vice-Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi

Check the official playing XIs and the current fantasy-platform role classifications before entering a contest. In particular, verify Shadab’s bowling involvement and the selection of all three Sri Lankan specialist batting candidates.

ODI Fantasy Team Strategy

The suggested combination includes six Sri Lankan and five Pakistani players. This reflects Sri Lanka’s recent success against Pakistan, while retaining several of the hosts’ strongest individual performers.

Kusal and Pavan provide the main Sri Lankan batting exposure, with Avishka adding an opening option. Pakistan’s batting selection is built around Babar and Salman, with Shadab offering a different middle-order contribution. Kamindu adds another Sri Lankan player who can build an innings.

The bowling combination is deliberately focused on players with established tournament involvement. Shaheen and Arafat are important Pakistan selections, while Madushanka and Asitha provide exposure to Sri Lanka’s pace attack.

Salman is Captain because of his tournament run-scoring record, while Shaheen is Vice-Captain because of his wicket-taking responsibility. This combination balances batting and bowling contributions rather than depending on a single innings.

The main risk is that Pakistan’s batting may again struggle against Sri Lanka’s bowling. If you expect a stronger Pakistan response, consider increasing exposure to their top order, but do so only after checking the final team sheets.

Last-Minute Fantasy Update

The official squads for the final have been announced by the PCB. Pakistan are led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Kusal Mendis captains Sri Lanka.

Important checks before the match:

• Confirm whether Saad Baig or Muhammad Ghazi Ghori takes the wicketkeeping position for Pakistan.
• Check whether Pakistan include both Shadab Khan and Arafat Minhas.
• Confirm Sri Lanka’s combination of specialist pacers and spinners.
• Check whether Kamil Mishara or another wicketkeeper is selected alongside Kusal Mendis.
• Review the toss and any changes in batting order or bowling roles.

The toss is scheduled for 12:30 PM PKT (1:00 PM IST), with the match starting at 1:00 PM PKT (1:30 PM IST). Do not treat a probable XI as confirmed before the official announcement.

Final ODI Dream11 Recommendation

For the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Dream11 Prediction, Salman Ali Agha is my preferred Captain, while Shaheen Shah Afridi is the Vice-Captain. Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake are important Sri Lankan batting selections, with Kamindu Mendis providing another middle-order option. Arafat Minhas and Dilshan Madushanka deserve attention because of their tournament wicket-taking records. Shadab Khan is an interesting differential following his maiden ODI century. Pakistan’s recent batting collapse makes it important not to overload the team with their batters. Prioritise confirmed players with substantial batting or bowling responsibilities and recheck the final combinations before entering a contest.

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