  
Sri Lanka secured a place in the one-day international tri-series final with a dominant eight-wicket win over Pakistan on Tuesday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. After bowling out the hosts for 110 runs in 25.3 overs, Sri Lanka successfully chased down the target by reaching 114 for two in 18.1 overs.
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and opted to field, unleashing left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, who delivered a career-best performance by taking five wickets for 34 runs. Pakistan struggled throughout their innings, slipping from 61 for four to 91 for eight. Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 29 runs off 33 balls, while Hasan Nawaz contributed 17 runs. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi added 15 runs, which included two sixes. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack maintained pressure through Sahan Arachchige, who claimed two wickets, alongside single-wicket contributions from Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Dunith Wellalage.
Sri Lanka chased the target of 111 with confidence, led by Kamindu Mendis, who scored an unbeaten 62 off 60 deliveries with eight fours and two sixes. Opening batsman Avishka Fernando posted 16 runs, while Kusal Mendis made eight before falling. Pawan Rathnayake accompanied Kamindu Mendis across the finish line, remaining unbeaten on 23. Pakistan’s bowlers had little margin to defend their low total, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Arafat Minhas taking one wicket apiece.
Key Developments
- Dilshan Madushanka claimed a career-best five wickets for 34 runs to bowl out Pakistan for 110 in 25.3 overs.
- Pakistan suffered major collapses, dropping four wickets for 61 runs before tumbling to 91 for eight; Babar Azam was top scorer with 29 runs.
- Sahan Arachchige took two wickets, while Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Dunith Wellalage captured one wicket each.
- Kamindu Mendis led the chase with an unbeaten 62 off 60 balls, while Pawan Rathnayake added an unbeaten 23.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi and Arafat Minhas were the lone wicket-takers for Pakistan.
Pakistan had already earned qualification for the final after securing victories in their opening three tournament matches. The two teams will meet in the decisive final on Saturday, with Sri Lanka’s upcoming Thursday fixture against England having no bearing on the finalists.