Sri Lanka Sends Pakistan a Warning Ahead of October 31 Final
News Desk
Lahore: Sri Lanka handed Pakistan a crushing eight-wicket defeat in the fifth match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, ending the hosts’ unbeaten run and securing their place in the final against Pakistan on October 31.
Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack, managing just 110 runs in 25.3 overs after being put in to bat. In reply, Sri Lanka chased down the modest target of 111 in 18.1 overs, losing only two wickets and completing a comfortable victory.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan had already qualified for the final following their thrilling one-wicket victory over England in the previous match. England, meanwhile, have been eliminated from contention for the title.
Pakistan’s Batting Lineup Collapses
Pakistan endured another disappointing performance with the bat, struggling to build partnerships and losing wickets at regular intervals.
Openers Fakhar Zaman and Maaz Sadaqat failed to provide a solid start. Fakhar was dismissed for five runs after edging a delivery into the air, while Maaz managed only eight before being trapped leg-before-wicket by Asitha Fernando.
Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig contributed five runs before departing, followed by Salman Ali Agha, who scored nine. With Pakistan’s top order unable to withstand the pressure, the team quickly found itself in trouble.
Babar Azam offered brief resistance with 29 runs off 33 deliveries, but his dismissal left Pakistan struggling to recover. By the time the score reached 64, six wickets had fallen.
Shadab Khan, who had played a match-winning innings against England, failed to repeat his heroics and was dismissed for just two runs. Arafat Minhas scored 10, while Hassan Nawaz contributed 17 off 31 balls.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi added 15 runs from 13 deliveries, Haris Rauf scored one, and Naseem Shah remained unbeaten on two.
Seven Pakistani batters failed to reach double figures, underlining the scale of the batting collapse. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 110, recording one of their lowest ODI totals against Sri Lanka.
For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka led the bowling attack with an impressive five wickets for 34 runs. Sahan Arachchige claimed two wickets, while Asitha Fernando, Ishan Malinga and Dunith Wellalage took one wicket apiece.
Kamindu Leads Sri Lanka to Victory
Chasing 111, Sri Lanka made a confident start, with the opening pair putting together a 50-run partnership.
Avishka Fernando was the first batter to depart, scoring 16 off 17 balls before being dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Captain Kusal Mendis followed for eight runs, giving Arafat Minhas Pakistan’s second wicket.
However, the early breakthroughs proved insufficient to revive Pakistan’s hopes. Sri Lanka’s batters maintained an aggressive approach and prevented the remaining Pakistani bowlers from making further inroads.
Kamindu Mendis anchored the chase with an unbeaten 62 off 60 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes. Pavan Rathnayake supported him with an unbeaten 23 off 26 deliveries as Sri Lanka reached 111 for two in just 18.1 overs.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Arafat Minhas were the only Pakistani bowlers to take wickets.
The emphatic victory gave Sri Lanka their second consecutive win in the tournament and confirmed their place in the final.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka to Face Off in Final
The defeat has exposed Pakistan’s batting vulnerabilities ahead of the title clash, despite the team’s earlier success in securing a place in the final.
Pakistan had booked their spot after edging past England by one wicket in the fourth match of the series on Sunday. England were bowled out for 241 in 47 overs, setting Pakistan a target of 242. Pakistan reached the target in the 48th over, losing nine wickets, with Shadab Khan playing a decisive role with a century.
Sri Lanka’s latest performance, meanwhile, will boost their confidence heading into the final. Their bowlers dismantled Pakistan’s batting order before their batters completed the chase with ease.
The final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled for October 31, with both sides now preparing for the decisive encounter.
For Pakistan, the immediate challenge will be to address their batting shortcomings and restore confidence after a heavy defeat. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will look to carry their winning momentum into the final as they compete for the tri-nation series title.
