Dilshan Madushanka produced a career-best bowling performance to dismiss Pakistan for just 110 runs as Sri Lanka secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory in Lahore on Tuesday, October 27, and booked their place in the tri-series final.
The win also confirmed England's elimination from the tournament. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet again in the final.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bowl, and their bowlers quickly justified the decision. Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in just 25.3 overs, with left-arm pacer Madushanka taking five wickets for 34 runs.
Sahan Arachchige provided valuable support with two wickets for 24 runs. Babar Azam was Pakistan's top scorer with 29, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to build a substantial total. Madushanka struck early by dismissing Fakhar Zaman, setting the tone for Pakistan's collapse. Asitha Fernando then removed Maaz Sadaqat.
Although Babar initially looked positive at the crease, he could not stay for long. Sri Lanka put Pakistan under further pressure by dismissing Salman Agha and Babar in successive overs.
Pakistan had slumped to 61 for five within 14 overs, leaving the hosts in serious trouble.
There was still a chance for Pakistan to recover, but Madushanka's second spell ended any hopes of a comeback. He dismissed Arafat Minhas, Hasan Nawaz, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi in succession to complete his five-wicket haul. Kamindu Mendis leads Sri Lanka to victory
Sri Lanka began the chase aggressively and reached the target of 111 in just 18.1 overs, finishing at 114 for two.
Kamindu Mendis led the way with an unbeaten 62, while Pavan Rathnayake remained not out on 23.
Mendis accelerated Sri Lanka's scoring and took control of the chase by hitting three consecutive boundaries in an over from Haris Rauf. Sri Lanka reached 50 in only 6.1 overs.
Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis fell early, but their dismissals did little to derail the chase as Kamindu continued his attacking yet composed innings.
Sri Lanka eventually sealed a comfortable eight-wicket win to secure their place in the final.
Pakistan: 110 all out in 25.3 overs (Babar Azam 29; Dilshan Madushanka 5/34, Sahan Arachchige 2/24).
Sri Lanka: 114/2 in 18.1 overs (Kamindu Mendis 62 not out, Pavan Rathnayake 23 not out; Arafat Minhas 1/23).
Result: Sri Lanka won by eight wickets.
