Sri Lanka Reaches Tri-Series Final After Madushanka's Five-Wicket Haul

Dilshan Madushanka secured career-best figures of 5/34 to lead Sri Lanka to a dominant victory over Pakistan in Lahore, successfully securing their spot in the tri-series final. The match also resulted in England being eliminated from the tournament, setting up another clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the final. After winning the toss, the unchanged Sri Lankan team elected to bowl first and immediately put the hosts under pressure.

Pakistan was forced to make changes to their lineup, bringing in Maaz Sadaqat for the released Saim Ayub and returning Naseem Shah in place of Razaullah. Despite early boundaries from Fakhar Zaman and Sadaqat, Madushanka removed Zaman with a short ball, and Asitha Fernando dismissed Sadaqat leg-before-wicket. Babar Azam played positively, but regular wickets tumbled as Pakistan fell to 61/5 within 14 overs. Madushanka returned for his second spell, claiming further wickets including Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi, which caused Pakistan to fold entirely inside 26 overs for just 110 runs in 25.3 overs.

In response, Sri Lanka chased down the target in just 18.1 overs, finishing at 114/2 to win by eight wickets. Kamindu Mendis led the chase with an unbeaten brisk half-century, supported by Pavan Rathnayake. Despite losing Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis in quick succession, Sri Lanka comfortably surpassed the target after the drinks break. The entire contest lasted less than 44 overs, confirming Pakistan and Sri Lanka as the finalists.