Sri Lanka’s Eight-Wicket Win Sends England Out of the Final

Pakistan were all out for 110, then Sri Lanka needed only 18.1 overs to reach 114 for two and win by eight wickets in Lahore on Tuesday. The result put Sri Lanka into Saturday’s tri-series final and ended England’s chance of reaching it. Fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka led the collapse, taking a career-best five wickets for 34 runs. ^1,5

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and chose to field, before Pakistan were all out for 110. Madushanka struck early, and Pakistan kept losing wickets before they could build a steady stand. Babar Azam top-scored with 29; Hasan Nawaz made 17. Sahan Arachchige took two wickets as Sri Lanka’s bowlers dismissed Pakistan in 25.3 overs. Chasing a small target, Sri Lanka lost Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis, but Kamindu Mendis stayed in, scoring an unbeaten 62 from 60 balls. ^5,7

Kamindu’s innings turned a one-sided chase into a useful boost for Sri Lanka ahead of the final. He was dropped before scoring and had an lbw decision against him overturned on review while on 44, then finished the job with Pavan Rathnayake, who made 23 not out. Pakistan had already secured its final place after winning its first three matches, including two against England. Its batting failure mattered little to the standings, but leaves the hosts with questions to address before meeting Sri Lanka again. ^1,5

That rematch is scheduled for Saturday, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka now confirmed as the finalists. Sri Lanka will first play England on Thursday, a match that cannot change who reaches the final. England have yet to win on the tour and can only finish their group-stage campaign on a better note. For Pakistan, the final offers an immediate chance to respond after a collapse that ended in just 25.3 overs. ^2,6