Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the fifth match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026/27 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, October 27. Dilshan Madushanka starred with a five-wicket haul as Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 before Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably to secure a place in the final.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bowl first and immediately put Pakistan under pressure. The visitors took wickets at regular intervals, preventing the hosts from building a substantial total.
Dilshan Madushanka Dismantles Pakistan's Batting Line-up
Pakistan struggled to establish partnerships against Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling attack. Fakhar Zaman fell for five, while Maaz Sadaqat managed eight. Saad Baig was dismissed for five, leaving Pakistan at 46/3 during the early stages.
Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 29 off 33 deliveries, hitting five boundaries, but he received little support from the middle order. Salman Ali Agha scored nine, while Shadab Khan managed just two as Pakistan's innings continued to unravel.
Madushanka led the attack with career-best ODI figures of 5/34 from 8.3 overs. He removed key batters and returned at the end to clean up the tail. Sahan Arachchige also made an important contribution, claiming two wickets for 24 runs, while Eshan Malinga and Dunith Wellalage picked up one wicket each.
Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 110 in 25.3 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi scored 15, including two sixes, while Hasan Nawaz contributed 17.
Kamindu Mendis Guides Sri Lanka to Victory
Chasing 111, Sri Lanka made a steady start despite losing Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis during the pursuit. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Avishka, while Arafat Minhas removed Kusal Mendis.
Kamindu Mendis then took control of the chase, remaining unbeaten on 62 off 60 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. He found valuable support from Pavan Rathnayake, who scored an unbeaten 23 off 26 deliveries.
The pair shared an unbroken 52-run partnership to ensure there were no further setbacks. Sri Lanka reached 114/2 in just 18.1 overs, completing the chase with eight wickets in hand.
Madushanka was named Player of the Match for his decisive bowling performance.
Sri Lanka Secure Place in Tri-Series Final
The victory confirmed Sri Lanka's place in the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series. Pakistan, despite suffering a heavy defeat, will have another opportunity to face Sri Lanka in the final on October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Sri Lanka's bowlers set up the win by dismissing Pakistan for a modest total, while Kamindu Mendis ensured the chase was completed without unnecessary pressure. The result also ended England's hopes of reaching the final, with Sri Lanka and Pakistan advancing to the title decider.
