Sri Lanka took a dominant start in the sl vs pak odi tri-series final on Saturday, remaining wicketless after 13 overs of play at Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore.
The opening partnership has put Pakistan under immediate pressure in the championship match, with the visitors maintaining a steady scoring rate despite losing the toss.
According to The Guardian, Sri Lanka reached a score of 72-0 after 13 overs. Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando were at the crease, scoring 36 and 31 respectively at that mark.
The momentum shifted briefly in the 13th over when Kamindu was given out caught behind. However, the decision was overturned after ultra edge technology showed no glimmer of contact with the ball.
What is the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan score?
As of the 13th over, the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan score stands at 72-0.
The scoring progression showed a balanced start during the power play, ending at 51-0 after 10 overs. Avishka Fernando provided early aggression in the sixth over, hitting a cover drive for four, a bouncer for six, and a straight drive for four.
Kamindu Mendis has also been active, hitting a six over fine leg against Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 10th over and a reverse-sweep for four against Arafat Minhas in the seventh.
The openers also found boundaries early in the match. Avishka collected the first boundary of the day to short fine leg in the third over, while Kamindu dispatched a short ball for four in the fifth.
Pakistan v Sri Lanka tri-series final team changes
Both teams entered the final with one change to their lineups.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed that Faheem Ashraf replaced Shadab, who was unavailable due to illness. Sri Lanka made a similar adjustment, bringing in Maheesh Theekshana to replace Eshan Malinga.
The full lineups for the final are as follows:
- Pakistan: Maaz Sadaqat, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wk), Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
- Sri Lanka: Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c, wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Concerns over Fakhar Zaman injury
While the bowlers have struggled to break the opening stand, Pakistan faces a potential setback in the field.
The Guardian reported that Fakhar Zaman was seen limping off the field during the 13th over. It is currently unknown if the injury is serious enough to keep the batter out of the remainder of the game.
The bowling attack has seen Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah lead the pace effort, while Arafat Minhas and Salman Agha have provided spin options.
Afridi produced an immaculate eight-over spell that yielded only two runs, but the Sri Lankan openers have remained composed. Arafat Minhas also maintained pressure in the ninth over, conceding only a single.
The match continues in Lahore to determine the winner of the triangular tournament.