Pakistan’s potent pace attack against Sri Lanka’s explosive batting line-up will be the main attraction when the two teams meet in the tri-nation ODI series final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore today. Both sides have had their share of success in the tournament, but only one will walk away with the title.

The two teams have already met twice in the series, with Pakistan winning their opening encounter by 37 runs in Rawalpindi before Sri Lanka returned to beat the hosts by eight wickets at the same venue where today’s final will be played. That victory was particularly impressive, as Sri Lanka dismissed Pakistan for just 110 in 25.3 overs before reaching the target in only 18.1 overs. Dilshan Madushanka led the bowling effort with a career-best five-wicket haul for 34 runs.

Sri Lanka will draw confidence from that performance, but Pakistan will have a different challenge in mind for the final. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf form a pace attack capable of testing any batting line-up, and their ability to strike early could have a major bearing on the contest.Sri Lanka, however, have enough firepower to match that threat. Pavan Rathnayake has been one of the outstanding batters of the tournament, scoring 350 runs at an average of 116.67 and a strike rate of 123.67. His two centuries against England, together with his opening-match 79 against Pakistan, have made him a key figure in Sri Lanka’s batting line-up.

The 24-year-old has been particularly effective in the middle order alongside Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka. Kusal Mendis also gave the top order a timely boost with his 89 against England, showing the kind of form that Sri Lanka will want from their captain in the final.The opening pair of Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando will also have an important part to play, particularly during the powerplay. A good start would allow the middle order to build on that platform and put Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure.

Sri Lanka’s lower order will also be keen to make its presence felt. In the opening match against Pakistan and the recent game against England, the last five wickets fell for just 15 runs. A stronger contribution from the lower half of the batting order would give the team greater depth, especially in a final where every run could count.

Pakistan have their own batting strength, with experienced campaigners Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha expected to play important roles. Salman scored a century in the opening match against Sri Lanka, while Babar will be eager to make a substantial contribution in the final.The opening combination of Maaz Sadaqat and Fakhar Zaman will be another area to watch, with Sahibzada Farhan also in contention after his recall to the side. Farhan enjoyed success against Sri Lanka in the recent T20 series, while the hosts will also look to Shadab Khan and Arafat Min to make an impact in the middle overs. Shadab has already shown his value with the bat, scoring a century at No. 8 against England to help Pakistan win by one wicket.The spin pair of Shadab and Minhas could prove particularly important once the powerplay is over, while Afridi’s leadership and the experience of Naseem and Rauf give Pakistan plenty of options with the ball.

Sri Lanka have generally preferred to chase during the tournament, with Kusal Mendis winning the toss and electing to field in previous matches, partly because of the dew factor. That could again influence the decision today. Nevertheless, the Sri Lankan batters have shown that they can put together a competitive total and also chase down a target, with partnerships likely to be central to their chances.Sri Lanka have fielded an unchanged side in their last two matches and are unlikely to make many changes after their convincing win over Pakistan at this venue. Although they lost to England in their previous outing, that match offered another opportunity for the batters to spend time in the middle ahead of the final.

Lahore has been a happy hunting ground for Sri Lanka, who have won six of their eight ODIs at the venue. Their previous victory over Pakistan here was particularly emphatic, as they chased down the target with 31.5 overs to spare. In 2009, Sri Lanka had also dismissed Pakistan for 75 and won by 234 runs.Those results will give the visitors confidence, but Pakistan will be determined to make the most of home conditions and finish the tournament with the trophy. With two contrasting strengths going head to head, the final promises an engaging contest and another valuable test for both teams as they continue their preparations for the World Cup.

Teams

Pakistan: Maaz Sadaqat, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.

Sri Lanka: Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (capt, wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.