Dilshan Madushanka's career-best ODI haul dismantled Pakistan for 110 at Lahore, with Sri Lanka knocking off the target in 18.1 overs to book a final berth against the same opponents.
Pakistan were blown away by Sri Lanka in the fifth match of the ODI tri-series on Tuesday, October 27. After back-to-back nail-biters in the series, it was time for a one-sided contest involving the Asian giants at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, October 27.
Kusal Mendis and Co. didn't put a foot wrong on the day after winning the toss and inviting the home side to bat first. Dilshan Madushanka struck in his second over, dismissing the dangerous Fakhar Zaman. Maaz Sadaqat also followed his opening partner back to the hut a few overs later as Asitha Fernando trapped him in front of the stumps.
Saad Baig and Salman Ali Agha were dismissed for single-digit scores, as Sri Lanka were right on top in the crucial clash. Babar looked good during his 29-run knock off 33 balls but Eshan Malinga ended his stay at the crease. When Shadab Khan fell in the 15th over, Pakistan were reeling at 64/6.
Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz tried to forge a partnership, adding 27 runs before the former fell to Madushanka. Shaheen Afridi hit a couple of sixes but Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 110 in 25.3 overs. Madushanka was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with career-best ODI figures of 5/34 in 8.3 overs.
In reply, Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando forged a 50-run stand inside seven overs before the latter was dismissed by Shaheen. Kusal Mendis departed cheaply before Kamindu and Pavan Rathnayake took the team home, remaining unbeaten on 62 and 23, respectively. Sri Lanka reached the target in 18.1 overs with eight wickets in the bank.
Sri Lanka's win on Tuesday ended England's hopes of reaching the final. Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the summit clash on Saturday, October 31 in Lahore. However, before the final, the Lankan Lions will go head-to-head against England in a dead rubber on Thursday at the same venue.