Pakistan Eye 3-0 Series Sweep as Sri Lanka Look to Avoid a Home-Soil Whitewash
Pakistan have already sealed the series with two commanding wins, while Sri Lanka need a big response in the Rawalpindi decider
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2026 Prediction
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Match Preview
Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in the third and final T20I of the 2026 series, with Pakistan already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Pakistan won the opening T20I by four wickets, chasing 183 in 18.5 overs. Captain Sahibzada Farhan led the chase with 89 off 53 balls. Sri Lanka's Lahiru Udara had earlier scored a fine 91 off 55.
The second T20I was far more one-sided. Pakistan posted 215/3, with Maaz Sadaqat making 96 off 51 and Farhan adding 73 off 44. Sri Lanka were then restricted to 133/7, losing by 82 runs, with Mohammad Imran taking 3/11.
The decider starts at 6:30 PM IST (6:00 PM local) on October 13. Pakistan may rotate their squad with the series won, while Sri Lanka will want to finish the tour with a performance.
Last 5 Matches
🇵🇰 Pakistan: W W
Won by 82 runs (215/3 vs 133/7), then won by 4 wickets while chasing 183.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka: L L L L L
Lost by 82 runs, lost by 4 wickets (182/8), and lost all 3 T20Is against England.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head
Pakistan: Two wins in this series, with both Farhan and Sadaqat scoring back-to-back rapid fifties.
Sri Lanka: They arrive after losing a T20I series in the West Indies and being swept 3-0 by England. Their fielding and new-ball bowling have both cost them in this series.
Series score: 🇵🇰 Pakistan 2-0 Sri Lanka
In T20I history Pakistan lead the head-to-head, with a particularly strong record at Rawalpindi.
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan
🔥 Sahibzada Farhan — Captain in sublime form, with 89 and 73 in the two matches.
⭐ Maaz Sadaqat — Fast-improving left-hander who narrowly missed a maiden T20I hundred.
🎯 Fakhar Zaman — Gives Pakistan a quick start at the top of the order.
⚡ Mohammad Imran — Swing bowler who took 3/11 in the second T20I.
🌀 Naseem Shah — Took 3/36 in the opener and leads the pace attack.
Sri Lanka
🔥 Lahiru Udara — Their standout batter, with 91 off 55 in the opener.
⭐ Kusal Mendis — Captain, who must lead from the top of the order.
🎯 Dasun Shanaka — Experienced all-rounder who can bat in the death overs and bowl useful overs.
🌀 Maheesh Theekshana — Their main wicket-taking option with the ball.
Team News
Pakistan's squad for the series: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Maaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim.
Sri Lanka are without the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, and Kusal Mendis has taken over the captaincy from Charith Asalanka. Their bowling has looked short of rhythm, so further changes are possible for the decider.
The final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
Prediction Market
- Match Winner: Pakistan
- Top Batter: Sahibzada Farhan
- Top Bowler: Mohammad Imran
- Pakistan Score: 185–200
- Sri Lanka Score: 150–165
- Most Likely Margin: Pakistan by 25–45 runs or 6–8 wickets
Prediction
The third T20I looks set to favour Pakistan once again.
Rawalpindi offers early swing for the pacers, but batters have still scored freely, and Pakistan's top order has made the most of it. Farhan and Sadaqat have put on rapid partnerships, and Pakistan's 215/3 was their second-highest T20I total.
Sri Lanka's biggest problem is the powerplay. In the second match, dropped catches let Farhan score quickly, and their bowlers were never able to build pressure. Their batting has also struggled to build partnerships against Pakistan's pace attack.
Pakistan may rest a few players in a dead rubber, but their bench is strong enough to keep their standards high.
KickHour Best Prediction
Predicted Pakistan
Pakistan's batting form, series lead and swing-bowling edge make them the KickHour selection for the third T20I.
Predicted Result: Pakistan to win
Confidence Level: 78%
Predicted Score:
🇵🇰 Pakistan — 192/5
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka — 156/8
Pakistan to win by 36 runs
Sri Lanka have enough batting to reach 150-plus if Udara and Mendis start well, but Pakistan's depth and bowling make them clear favourites to complete the sweep.
This prediction is based on the current series results, squad updates, recent performances, venue information and available team news. The final playing XIs and toss should be checked before the match.
Prediction by Kickhour.com Cricket Desk — Just Kick It
