LAHORE: Sri Lanka stormed into the final of the ODI tri-series after defeating Pakistan by eight wickets in the fifth match at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
The visitors bowled Pakistan out for a mere 110 runs in 25.3 overs before comfortably chasing the 111-run target in just 18 overs, losing only two wickets. Kamindu Mendis led the chase with an unbeaten 62.
Pakistan, who had already qualified for the final, suffered a major batting collapse after Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Pakistan Batting Falters
Pakistan got off to a poor start as Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for five off 13 balls by Dilshan Madushanka in the fourth over. Asitha Fernando then removed Maaz Sadaqat for eight, while Madushanka struck again to send Saad Baig back for five.
Captain Salman Ali Agha managed only nine runs before falling to Sahan Arachchige, leaving Pakistan struggling to recover. Babar Azam offered some resistance, scoring 29 off 33 deliveries, including five boundaries, before Eshan Malinga dismissed him.
Pakistan slumped to 61 for five in 13.1 overs, putting the innings under severe pressure.
Shadab Khan, who had recently registered his maiden ODI century against England, failed to make an impact and scored just two runs before becoming Arachchige’s second victim.
Arafat Minhas contributed 10 runs, while Hasan Nawaz added 17, including a six, but their efforts were insufficient to revive the innings. Dunith Wellalage dismissed Hasan Nawaz, while Madushanka continued his impressive spell by removing Minhas and Haris Rauf, who scored one run.
Pakistan’s batting failure allowed Sri Lanka to take control of the match and secure a commanding victory, confirming their place in the tri-series final.
