Sri Lanka Dominates Pakistan to Secure Final Spot in ODI Tri-Series

In a remarkable performance, Sri Lanka's Dilshan Madushanka took 5 wickets for 34 runs, leading his team to an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ODI tri-series. This win not only secured Sri Lanka's place in the final but also marked the end of their losing streak against Pakistan. The match saw Pakistan bowled out for just 110 runs, their second-lowest total at home. Kamindu Mendis anchored the chase with an unbeaten 62, ensuring a comfortable win for Sri Lanka. With England eliminated from contention, the stage is set for a rematch in the final.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 27, 2026, 23:52 IST

Sri Lanka's Impressive Victory

Lahore [Pakistan], October 27: In a stunning display, left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka achieved a personal best of 5/34, leading Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the ODI tri-series. This victory not only knocked Pakistan out for a mere 110 runs but also ensured Sri Lanka's place in the final against the same team.

This decisive win marked the end of Sri Lanka's five-match losing streak against Pakistan and eliminated England from the final race, rendering their upcoming match against Sri Lanka a mere formality, as reported by a sports media outlet.

Batting first, Pakistan struggled significantly against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling lineup, finishing their innings in just 25.3 overs, which is their second-lowest ODI score at home. Babar Azam was the top scorer with 29 runs off 33 balls, while only two other players managed to score in double digits.

Madushanka was the standout performer, achieving his second five-wicket haul in ODIs. He effectively utilized the bounce available to trouble the Pakistani batsmen, despite bowling at speeds around the mid-130s.

He initiated the collapse by dismissing opener Fakhar Zaman, who could only edge a rising delivery to point. In his second spell, he took out Arafat Minhas with a short ball that was caught by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.

Minhas and Hasan Nawaz had formed the highest partnership of the innings, adding 27 runs for the seventh wicket, but the loss of Minhas left Pakistan reeling at 91/8.

Madushanka then dismissed Haris Rauf, caught at first slip by Kamindu Mendis, and completed his five-wicket haul by taking out Shaheen Afridi, who top-edged a hook shot to fine leg.

Sahan Arachchige contributed with two wickets, while Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Dunith Wellalage each took one wicket, ensuring Pakistan's innings ended without any recovery from the lower order.

In response, Sri Lanka chased down the target in just 18.1 overs, finishing at 111/2, with 31.5 overs remaining.

Kamindu Mendis was the backbone of the chase, scoring an unbeaten 62 off 60 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake supported him with an unbroken 23 off 26 deliveries.

Avishka Fernando was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi after pulling a short ball to midwicket, and Kusal Mendis was out in an unusual manner when the ball deflected off his bat and hit the stumps.

Despite the placid pitch, Pakistan could not apply any pressure, allowing Kamindu and Rathnayake to guide Sri Lanka home without further issues.

Pakistan will need to regroup quickly for the final, where they will face Sri Lanka once more, while England's chances of reaching the title match have been dashed following this outcome.