Dilshan Madushanka produced a career-best bowling performance of 5 for 34 to dismantle Pakistan in Lahore, propelling Sri Lanka into the tri-series final with an emphatic eight-wicket victory. The left-arm pacer led an relentless Sri Lankan bowling attack that routed the host nation for a paltry 110 inside 26 overs. Sri Lanka then comfortably chased down the modest target in 18.1 overs, driven by an unbeaten half-century from Kamindu Mendis. The decisive outcome formally eliminated England from the tournament, setting up a rematch between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the summit clash.
After winning the toss, an unchanged Sri Lankan team elected to field first. Pakistan introduced two changes to their lineup, replacing Saim Ayub—who was released from the squad—with Maaz Sadaqat, while bringing back Naseem Shah for Razaullah. Although Fakhar Zaman and Sadaqat opened the innings with early boundaries, Madushanka removed Fakhar with a sharp short ball. Shortly after, Asitha Fernando trapped Sadaqat leg-before to leave Pakistan in early trouble.
Babar Azam offered resistance, striking several boundaries in a positive display. However, Madushanka returned to break the flow, securing another vital wicket before Pakistan lost Salman Agha and Babar off consecutive deliveries across two overs. Sitting precariously at 61 for 5 within 14 overs, the hosts required a recovery from their lower order. Unlike their previous match against England, Sri Lanka maintained tight control to prevent any fightback. The hosts needed another rescue act from their lower order to put up a fighting total on the board, reduced to 61/5 inside just 14 overs. Babar continued to bat in positive fashion though as the boundaries kept flying off his bat. However, Sri Lanka didn’t allow Pakistan to recover like England did a couple of nights ago.
Spin bowler Sahan Arachchige removed Shadab Khan for 2 when the batter top-edged a sweep attempt. Madushanka then resumed his spell to wrap up the tail, dismissing Arafat Minhas with a short ball before Hasan Nawaz mistimed a shot to long-off. Madushanka completed his five-wicket haul by removing Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi in quick succession, concluding Pakistan’s innings in just 25.3 overs.
In response, Sri Lanka made a swift start despite Kamindu Mendis surviving a early chance. Avishka Fernando hit consecutive boundaries off Shaheen, but Kamindu dominated the chase, welcoming Haris Rauf with three straight boundaries in his opening over. Sri Lanka reached 50 in only 6.1 overs. Despite Pakistan picking up quick wickets through Arafat Minhas to dismiss Avishka and Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka were already within 50 runs of victory. Pakistan did strike twice in quick succession to get rid of Avishka and Kusal Mendis but by then, Sri Lanka needed less than 50 to clinch the game.
Kamindu reached his half-century when a deep fielder stepped on the boundary rope while attempting a catch, granting him a six. Alongside Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu guided Sri Lanka safely past the finish line after a brief drinks break. The entire match wrapped up in under 44 overs. Kamindu, who received a reprieve in the very first over, got going with a boundary in the following over.
Brief ScoresPakistan 110 all out in 25.3 overs (Babar Azam 29; Dilshan Madushanka 5-34, Sahan Arachchige 2-24) lost to Sri Lanka 114/2 in 18.1 overs (Kamindu Mendis 62*, Pavan Rathnayake 23*; Arafat Minhas 1-23) by 8 wickets.
