Overview
- Pakistan have already secured a place in the tri-series final after winning their first three matches and will use the Oct. 27 league game at Gaddafi Stadium to test personnel and combinations.
- The hosts released opener Saim Ayub and recalled Sahibzada Farhan, added Maaz Sadaqat as cover, and left-fast bowler Naseem Shah is unlikely to play after dislocating a finger.
- Sri Lanka enter the match needing a win to qualify for the final, carrying momentum from a record 430 successful chase that featured Pavan Rathnayake (130), Avishka Fernando (97), and Dasun Shanaka (97).
- Pakistan’s recent form has been defined by Shadab Khan’s unbeaten maiden ODI century and an 89-run last-wicket stand with Haris Rauf that sealed a one-wicket win over England.
- Pitch behaviour at Gaddafi Stadium is in focus because reports vary between short-term seam assistance and an overall batting-friendly surface, which will shape selection and tactics ahead of the final and the teams’ World Cup preparations.