Pakistan’s ongoing struggles with their top-order batting continued as Sri Lanka secured a comprehensive eight-wicket victory in a triangular one-day international (ODI) cricket match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday. The result ended England’s chances of reaching the final of the tri-series, leaving Pakistan and Sri Lanka to contest the title.
Electing to field first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka’s bowlers quickly dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, restricting them to 110 runs in 25.3 overs—Pakistan’s second-lowest ODI total on home soil, surpassed only by a collapse against Sri Lanka at the same venue in 2009 where they were all out for 75. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka led the attack with a career-best five-wicket haul (5-34), while spinner Sahan Arachchige supported with two wickets as Pakistan’s innings folded rapidly.
Pakistan’s batting woes were again evident, with four of their top five batsmen dismissed for single-digit scores. Opener Fakhar Zaman was out early after offering a catch to point, and debutant Maaz Sadaqat was trapped lbw. Captain Babar Azam managed 29 runs but fell leg before wicket to Eshan Malinga. Shadab Khan, notable for his unbeaten century in Pakistan’s thrilling one-wicket victory over England on Sunday, was dismissed after just five deliveries. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi acknowledged the team’s collapse and expressed confidence in improving before the final.
Chasing the modest target, Sri Lanka completed the run chase in 18.1 overs with six wickets in hand. Middle-order batter Kamindu Mendis was the standout performer, scoring an unbeaten 62 off 60 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes. His innings included a successful review overturning an lbw decision and a decisive six that brought up his half-century. Pavan Rathnayake contributed a steady 23 not out, helping secure the victory with a 52-run unbeaten partnership. Opener Avishka Fernando was dismissed after scoring 16.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis praised the bowling performance, highlighting Madushanka’s effectiveness and noting the team’s overall progress despite areas requiring improvement. Mendis himself was dismissed for eight in a rare manner when the ball deflected off the back of his bat onto the stumps.
With this win, Sri Lanka improved to four points from three matches, while Pakistan topped the table with six points from three wins. England’s losses to both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, including this latest defeat, meant they were eliminated from final contention, rendering their upcoming match against Sri Lanka a dead rubber.
The tri-series final is scheduled for Saturday, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka set to face off after their respective performances in the league stage. Both teams will aim to address their weaknesses as they prepare for the concluding match of the tournament.