Sri Lanka thrash Pakistan to book place in tri-series final

Sri Lanka produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by eight wickets in the fifth match of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, booking their place in the final and ending England’s hopes of progressing.

After dismissing the hosts for a meagre 110 in 25.3 overs, Sri Lanka chased down the target in just 18.1 overs, losing two wickets. Dilshan Madushanka spearheaded the bowling attack with a five-wicket haul before Kamindu Mendis guided the visitors home with an unbeaten half-century.

How did Sri Lanka dismantle Pakistan’s batting line-up?

Opting to field first, Sri Lanka immediately put Pakistan under pressure with disciplined new-ball bowling, exposing the hosts’ continued struggles at the top of the order.

Madushanka provided the breakthrough in the fourth over, removing Fakhar Zaman for five off 13 deliveries. Asitha Fernando then dismissed Maaz Sadaqat for eight, leaving Pakistan reeling at 23-2 after 6.2 overs.

Madushanka struck again to send Saad Baig back for five, compounding Pakistan’s early problems. Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha attempted to stabilise the innings, but their 15-run partnership ended when Sahan Arachchige dismissed Agha for nine off 14 balls.

Babar offered brief resistance, scoring 29 off 33 deliveries with five boundaries. However, Eshan Malinga removed the right-hander in the 14th over, reducing Pakistan to 61-5.

Shadab Khan, who had struck his maiden ODI century against England in Pakistan’s previous match, failed to make an impact this time, scoring just two before falling to Arachchige.

Why could Pakistan not recover from their collapse?

With half the side back in the pavilion, Pakistan needed a substantial contribution from their lower order. Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz attempted to rebuild, but Madushanka returned to break their partnership by dismissing Minhas for 10 off 18 balls.

Hasan managed 17 from 31 deliveries, including a six, before Dunith Wellalage ended his resistance. Pakistan had slumped to 91-8, leaving the innings on the verge of an early finish.

Madushanka continued to exploit the struggling batting line-up, removing Haris Rauf for one to move within reach of his five-wicket haul.

Captain Shaheen Afridi offered some late resistance, striking two sixes in his 15-run innings off 13 balls as Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark. However, Madushanka had the final say, dismissing Shaheen to wrap up the innings at 110 in 25.3 overs.

How did Kamindu Mendis lead Sri Lanka to victory?

Pakistan needed early wickets to defend their modest total, but Sri Lanka’s openers quickly took control of the chase.

Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando attacked from the outset, bringing up their 50-run opening stand in the seventh over. Shaheen eventually broke the partnership, dismissing Avishka for 16 off 17 balls, including two boundaries. Arafat Minhas then removed captain Kusal Mendis for eight off six deliveries.

Despite losing two wickets, Sri Lanka remained firmly in control. Kamindu continued to dictate the chase, reaching his fifth ODI half-century.

Kamindu finished unbeaten on 62 off 59 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes, while Pavan Rathnayake contributed 23 runs. Their efforts ensured Sri Lanka reached 114-2 in 18.1 overs, completing a comprehensive victory with 31.5 overs remaining and securing their place in the tri-series final.