Pakistan have room to experiment as Sri Lanka chase tri-series final spot

Pakistan will look to extend 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 qualified for Saturday’s final, giving the hosts an opportunity to experiment with their combinations and assess their bench strength. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, need a victory to book their place in the final, with England also monitoring the outcome.

Can Pakistan experiment after securing qualification?

Pakistan have won all three of their matches in the tournament, including a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in their opening encounter.

Salman Ali Agha starred with 107 off 90 balls in that match, while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed three wickets to lead the bowling attack.

Pakistan followed that performance with two dramatic victories over England, repeatedly recovering from difficult positions to maintain their unbeaten record.

Their latest triumph came courtesy of Shadab Khan, who scored his maiden ODI century with an unbeaten 113 off 96 deliveries. He shared an unbroken 89-run partnership for the 10th wicket with Haris Rauf, who contributed seven not out, to secure a remarkable one-wicket victory.

However, Pakistan's repeated batting collapses remain a concern despite their ability to escape difficult situations. Tuesday's fixture could provide an opportunity to address those weaknesses before the final.

Which players could benefit from Pakistan's selection changes?

Sufiyan Muqeem and Saim Ayub's release from the squad has opened the door for Maaz Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan.

Ayub has returned to domestic cricket to work on his batting, while Farhan has been drafted into the squad. However, Farhan's immediate inclusion remains uncertain following his return from Nepal.

If Farhan becomes available in time, Pakistan could explore a new opening partnership with Maaz, especially after Fakhar Zaman managed just 26 runs in three matches.

Babar Azam has scored 89 runs across his three innings, leaving the management hopeful that the experienced batter can rediscover his rhythm before the final.

Naseem Shah could return after missing the previous match as a precaution following a dislocated finger.

Can Sri Lanka turn recent momentum into qualification?

Sri Lanka will hope their impressive batting display against England marks the beginning of a sustained revival rather than another temporary high.

Their recent history offers reasons for caution, with impressive victories and promising tournament runs repeatedly followed by disappointing performances.

Their defeat to Pakistan earlier in the tri-series also demonstrated how quickly a promising position can disappear against an opponent capable of producing decisive bowling spells.

Sri Lanka must therefore combine their recent batting confidence with greater consistency if they are to challenge the hosts.

Selection decisions could also prove important, with Sahan Arachchige potentially vulnerable. However, limited specialist top-order alternatives could complicate any changes to the batting order.

Why does the result matter to England?

Although Pakistan have already qualified, Tuesday's result carries consequences for the remaining teams.

England's slim hopes of reaching the final depend on Pakistan defeating Sri Lanka. A victory would also give the hosts five consecutive ODI wins, a run they have not achieved since late 2024.