Dilshan Madushanka’s five-wicket haul inspired Sri Lanka to a crushing eight-wicket victory over Pakistan, sealing their place in the ODI tri-series final against the hosts and ending England’s hopes of qualification.
Madushanka returned figures of 5 for 34 as Pakistan were bowled out for a paltry 110 in just 25.3 overs after Sri Lanka, having won the toss and elected to field, produced a disciplined bowling performance at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka then made light work of the modest target, reaching 114 for two in just 18.1 overs to complete a dominant victory with 191 balls to spare.
The result confirmed Sri Lanka’s place in the final against Pakistan, who had already secured qualification after winning their first three matches. England, without a win in the tournament, were eliminated with one match against Sri Lanka still to play.
Madushanka spearheaded Sri Lanka’s attack, removing Fakhar Zaman, Saad Baig, Arafat Minhas, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf to dismantle the Pakistan batting line-up.
Pakistan struggled from the outset after being sent in to bat. Asitha Fernando struck early to remove Maaz Sadaqat, while Madushanka accounted for Fakhar Zaman to leave the hosts in trouble.
Babar Azam offered some resistance with 29 off 33 balls, but his dismissal at 61 for five triggered a further collapse. Sahan Arachchige claimed two wickets, while Eshan Malinga and Dunith Wellalage chipped in with one apiece as Pakistan lost their final five wickets for just 19 runs.
Hasan Nawaz made 17, while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi scored 15 before becoming Madushanka’s fifth victim. Pakistan were dismissed inside 26 overs, leaving Sri Lanka with a straightforward chase.
Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis gave Sri Lanka a flying start, putting on 50 for the first wicket in just 6.5 overs. Avishka made 16 before falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi, while captain Kusal Mendis was dismissed for eight by Arafat Minhas with the score on 62.
Kamindu, however, ensured there were no further setbacks. He remained unbeaten on 62 off 60 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes in an assured innings.
Pavan Rathnayake provided the perfect support, finishing unbeaten on 23 off 26 deliveries as the pair guided Sri Lanka home with more than 31 overs remaining.
The emphatic victory not only secured Sri Lanka’s place in the final but also underlined the effectiveness of their bowling attack ahead of the showdown with Pakistan, who will have another opportunity to face the hosts for the tri-series title.
Chief Scores – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Pakistan 110 all out in 25.3 overs Babar Azam 29, Hasan Nawaz 17, Shaheen Shah Afridi 15
Dilshan Madushanka 5/34, Sahan Arachchige 2/24
Sri Lanka 114/2 in 18.1 overs Kamindu Mendis 62 not out, Pavan Rathnayake 23 not out, Avishka Fernando 16
Result: Sri Lanka won by eight wickets (with 191 balls remaining).
Player of the Match: Dilshan Madushanka (5/34)
Sri Lanka qualify for the final against Pakistan. England are eliminated.
