Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I: Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the third and final T20 International at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. With Pakistan leading the three-match series 2-0, the hosts will aim to complete a clean sweep, while Sri Lanka will look to finish the series with a consolation victory.
Pakistan have dominated the series with strong batting performances and effective bowling. Sahibzada Farhan has been among the standout performers, while young batter Maaz Sadaqat has added firepower to the batting lineup. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, need a more consistent performance from their batting unit to challenge the hosts.
The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM IST.
PAK vs SL 3rd T20I: Match Details
Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I
Series: Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan, 2026
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Start Time: 6:30 PM IST
Series Status: Pakistan lead 2-0
Format: T20 International
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Match Preview
Pakistan enter the final fixture with momentum firmly on their side. Their top order has produced important runs, putting Sri Lanka under pressure throughout the series. The hosts will now look to maintain their winning form and complete a series whitewash.
Farhan's contributions at the top of the order have been important, while Sadaqat's aggressive approach has provided additional momentum. Pakistan will be keen to maintain the same intensity despite having already secured the series.
Sri Lanka have struggled to contain Pakistan's attacking batters and have not consistently delivered with the bat. Captain Kusal Mendis will want his side to improve its shot selection, build stronger partnerships and make better use of the powerplay.
A stronger performance in the final T20I would give Sri Lanka an opportunity to finish the series on a positive note.
PAK vs SL 3rd T20I Pitch Report
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium surface is generally known for offering favourable conditions for batting. The pitch can provide good bounce and value for shots, allowing batters to score freely once they settle at the crease.
Fast bowlers could find some movement with the new ball, but batters who adjust to the conditions may be able to accelerate as the innings progresses. Evening conditions and possible dew could also influence the captain's decision at the toss.
Pitch Outlook: Batting-friendly.
Expected First-Innings Score: A total of around 190-200 could be competitive, depending on the surface and match-day conditions.
Toss Factor: The captain winning the toss may consider bowling first if dew is expected to affect the second innings.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Probable Playing XI
These are predicted lineups and not officially confirmed playing XIs. Final selections may change after the toss.
Pakistan Probable XI
Sahibzada Farhan (c)
Fakhar Zaman
Saim Ayub
Hasan Nawaz
Shadab Khan
Maaz Sadaqat
Khawaja Nafay (wk)
Mohammad Imran Randhawa
Naseem Shah
Abrar Ahmed
Salman Mirza
Pakistan could retain much of their winning combination, although the team management may consider changes depending on player availability, workloads and tactical requirements.
Sri Lanka Probable XI
Kusal Mendis (c & wk)
Sineth Jayawardena
Lahiru Udara
Kamindu Mendis
Dasun Shanaka
Sahan Arachchige
Chamindu Wickramasinghe
Maheesh Theekshana
Nuwan Thushara
Eshan Malinga
Binura Fernando
Sri Lanka could look for improvements in their batting order while relying on experienced players to provide stability. The final combination will depend on team selection and conditions at the toss.
Players to Watch
Sahibzada Farhan — Pakistan
Farhan has been one of Pakistan's influential batters during the series. His ability to score quickly in the powerplay and convert starts into substantial innings makes him a major threat to Sri Lanka's bowling attack.
Maaz Sadaqat — Pakistan
Sadaqat's aggressive stroke play and ability to maintain a high scoring rate have added depth to Pakistan's batting. His performance in the middle overs could again be important if the hosts aim for a big total.
Kusal Mendis — Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan captain will be central to his team's chances. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining the scoring rate could help Sri Lanka put greater pressure on Pakistan.
Maheesh Theekshana — Sri Lanka
Theekshana's variations and control could prove useful against Pakistan's aggressive batters. Sri Lanka will need him to restrict the scoring rate and create breakthroughs during the middle overs.
Key Battles to Watch
Sahibzada Farhan vs Sri Lanka's new-ball attack: Early wickets could be crucial to limiting Pakistan's scoring.
Maaz Sadaqat vs Sri Lanka's spinners: Sri Lanka will need to contain Sadaqat's attacking stroke play and prevent him from accelerating.
Kusal Mendis vs Pakistan's pace attack: The Sri Lankan captain's performance against the new ball could shape the visitors' innings.
PAK vs SL 3rd T20I Match Prediction
Pakistan start as the stronger side based on their performances in the opening two matches. Their batting lineup has demonstrated greater consistency, while the bowling unit has helped maintain pressure on Sri Lanka.
The visitors will need significant improvements in both batting and fielding to turn the contest in their favour. If their top order builds a substantial partnership and their bowlers make early breakthroughs, Sri Lanka could make the final match more competitive.
Match Prediction: Pakistan are favourites to win the third T20I and complete a 3-0 series sweep. Sri Lanka will be looking for a stronger all-round performance to finish the series with a victory.
Conclusion
The third T20I offers Pakistan an opportunity to complete a series whitewash on home soil. Farhan and Sadaqat will be among the players to watch, while Sri Lanka will hope their senior players can deliver a more convincing performance.
With Rawalpindi expected to provide favourable batting conditions, another entertaining contest could be on the cards. The toss and confirmed playing XIs will provide a clearer picture of how both teams plan to approach the final match.
