Sri Lanka Crush Pakistan by 8 Wickets to Reach ODI Tri-Series Final

Sri Lanka triumphed over Pakistan by eight wickets in the fifth ODI of the tri-series, advancing to the final while England exited the tournament. Chasing an achievable target of 111, Sri Lanka reached the milestone in the 19th over, with roughly 30 overs remaining in hand. Kamindu Mendis' unbeaten 50-ball half-century was instrumental, as he and Avishka Fernando combined for a rapid opening partnership, totaling 50 runs in just the seventh over.

Pakistan's captain Shaheen Afridi removed Fernando for a mere 16 runs. Minhas dismissed Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis for eight after the ball deflected off his bat and struck the stumps. Mendis scored his fifth ODI half-century, surviving a catching attempt when Ghazi Ghori made contact with the ball while securing the catch. He concluded his innings unbeaten at 62 off 60 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, while Pavan Rathnayake added 23 runs.

Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled against Sri Lanka's bowling, with Dilshan Madushanka taking five wickets and Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, and Babar Azam among the early casualties. Babar scored 29 runs off 33 balls before being dismissed by Eshan Malinga, leaving Pakistan at 61-5 in 13.1 overs. Shadab Khan, who scored a century against England earlier, failed to replicate his form, falling to Malinga for just two runs.

Minhas added 10 runs before being removed by Madushanka for the third time. Hasan Nawaz contributed 17 runs before falling to Dunith Wellalage. Pakistan's lower order struggled, although captain Shaheen Afridi contributed two sixes in his 15-run knock, helping the team surpass 100. Madushanka finished with impressive figures of 5-34 in 8.3 overs, claiming two wickets, while Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Wellalage each took one wicket.