Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I of the three-match series on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With the hosts already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, the final game is all about a clean sweep for Pakistan and pride for the visiting Sri Lankans, who will be desperate to avoid returning home empty-handed.
Series overview so far
Pakistan have been the dominant side in this series from the very first ball. After winning the series opener, the Men in Green produced a ruthless all-round display in the second T20I, crushing Sri Lanka by 82 runs to seal the series with a game to spare. Read our full report of Pakistan’s 82-run win in the 2nd T20I.
The story of the series has been Pakistan’s batting firepower backed by a disciplined bowling attack. The top order has fired consistently, the middle order has finished innings strongly, and the bowlers have rarely allowed Sri Lanka’s batters to settle. For the visitors, flashes of individual brilliance have not translated into collective results, and their batting unit has struggled to cope with Pakistan’s pace and spin options.
Pakistan’s dominance has been built on collective contributions rather than individual brilliance alone, with different players stepping up in different games — the hallmark of a settled, confident side. Sri Lanka, by contrast, have been over-reliant on one or two batters, and their bowlers have struggled to contain Pakistan’s aggressive top order during the powerplay overs.
With the series already decided, the third T20I gives both sides room to experiment. Pakistan may use the dead rubber to test their bench strength ahead of bigger assignments, while Sri Lanka have one final chance to find a winning combination and restore some confidence before the tour ends.
Match details: date, time and venue
Here is everything you need to know about the 3rd T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka:
- Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I
- Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Start time: 7:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time (toss at 7:00 PM)
- Series: Pakistan lead 2-0
Squads and probable playing XIs
Both teams are expected to field strong sides for the finale, although Pakistan could rotate a couple of players with the series already in the bag. The confirmed playing XIs will be announced at the toss.
Pakistan probable XI
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
The spotlight will be on Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub at the top of the order after their explosive starts in the series, while Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi have led a pace attack that has consistently troubled Sri Lanka. Shadab Khan’s all-round value gives Pakistan enviable balance through the middle overs.
Sri Lanka probable XI
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka.
Sri Lanka’s hopes rest heavily on Kusal Mendis, their most consistent batter on this tour, and the new-ball pairing’s ability to make early inroads. The spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will be crucial if the visitors are to keep Pakistan’s powerful batting line-up in check.
Head-to-head record
Pakistan have historically held the upper hand over Sri Lanka in T20 internationals, winning the majority of their encounters. That dominance has been on full display in this series, with the hosts outplaying the visitors in all departments across the first two games.
Recent meetings have only underlined the gap between the sides, with Pakistan winning comfortably on most occasions. For Sri Lanka to change the narrative in Rawalpindi, their senior players must deliver match-defining performances, particularly with the bat, while T20 cricket’s fickle nature means one special over can still turn a game on its head.
Pitch report and weather
The Rawalpindi surface is traditionally a good one for batting, with short boundaries and a fast outfield regularly producing high scores. There is usually some early assistance for the seamers under lights, but dew in the second innings can make bowling difficult, which often makes the toss an important factor. Teams winning the toss here frequently prefer to chase.
October evenings in Rawalpindi are generally pleasant and clear, and there is little chance of rain interrupting play. Fans can look forward to a full, uninterrupted contest in comfortable conditions.
Where to watch: live streaming and TV channels
In Pakistan, the match will be telecast live on PTV Sports and Ten Sports, with live streaming available on digital platforms. For the complete series schedule, squads and streaming information, check out the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series 2026 guide on myco. Viewers in India can catch the action on the Sony Sports Network, while fans elsewhere should check their local listings. Live scores and ball-by-ball commentary will be available on Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo.
FAQs
When is the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I?
The 3rd T20I will be played on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
What time does the match start?
The match starts at 7:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time, with the toss scheduled for 7:00 PM.
Where is the 3rd T20I being played?
The match will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Who won the 2nd T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Pakistan won the 2nd T20I by 82 runs, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Where can I watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I live?
In Pakistan, the game will be shown live on PTV Sports and Ten Sports, with live streaming on digital platforms. Live scores and ball-by-ball commentary will be available on Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo.
Conclusion
Pakistan will start as firm favourites to complete a 3-0 sweep in front of their home fans in Rawalpindi. Their batting has been explosive, their bowling disciplined and their fielding sharp — a combination that has left Sri Lanka with few answers. The visitors, though, have pride to play for and enough talent to cause an upset on their day. Expect an entertaining contest under lights to close out the series.
Jon Smith is a passionate sports writer specializing in cricket and global sporting events. With a keen eye for match analysis and player performance, he creates clear, engaging, and informative content. His work focuses on simplifying complex sports insights, making them accessible for beginners and experienced fans alike worldwide.
Pingback: PAK vs SL 3rd T20I: Sri Lanka Beat Pakistan by 8 Wickets, Pakistan Take Series 2-1
Pingback: USA vs Namibia, ICC CWC League Two: Date, Time, Venue, Squads & Where to Watch