Babar Azam-starrer Pakistan fold for 110 in ODI as India chase 199 in 13.2 overs in T20I on same day

Sri Lanka Bowl Pakistan Out for 110 to Reach Tri-Series Final

Sri Lanka produced a commanding bowling performance against Pakistan in the fifth match of the tri-series in Lahore, dismissing the hosts for just 110 in 25.3 overs. The collapse put Pakistan under pressure in a match with major implications for the final, while leaving England’s hopes of reaching the title decider hanging by a thread.

Pakistan had already secured a place in the final after winning each of their first three matches. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, came into the contest needing a victory to keep their campaign alive and strengthen their position in the standings. With England also competing in the three-team series, the result carried consequences beyond the two sides on the field.

Pakistan’s Batting Collapse Leaves Them With a Modest Total

Sri Lanka won the toss at Gaddafi Stadium and chose to field, a decision that quickly paid off. The visitors retained the side that had recently completed a remarkable chase of 430 against England, while Pakistan made two changes: Maaz Sadaqat and Naseem Shah came into the team, replacing Saim Ayub and Razaullah.

Pakistan made a steady start during the opening overs, but the innings soon unravelled. Fakhar Zaman was the first batter dismissed, scoring five before his departure left Pakistan at 11. His wicket opened the way for a rapid sequence of dismissals, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers repeatedly breaking partnerships before they could develop.

Pakistan slumped to 61 for six, and there was no meaningful recovery from there. Babar Azam offered some resistance, top-scoring with 29, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled to settle. No other Pakistan batter passed 20, and the innings ended at 110 after just 25.3 overs.

The total was a major disappointment for the hosts, particularly after their strong start to the tournament. It also became Pakistan’s second-lowest score against Sri Lanka, underlining the scale of the visitors’ achievement. On a surface where a competitive total was possible, Pakistan’s inability to build partnerships left their bowlers with very little room for error.

Dilshan Madushanka Leads Sri Lanka’s Bowling Attack

Dilshan Madushanka was the standout performer, claiming five wickets in 8.3 overs for 34 runs. His spell kept Pakistan under constant pressure and helped ensure that the middle and lower order could not rebuild the innings.

Sahan Arachchige supported the left-arm seamer with two wickets. Eshan Malinga, Dunith Wellalage and Asitha Fernando took one apiece, giving Sri Lanka contributions throughout the attack rather than relying on a single bowler. Their disciplined approach, combined with Pakistan’s loss of wickets, brought the innings to an early end.

The performance was especially valuable for Sri Lanka after their historic run chase against England. That victory demonstrated their batting strength; the Lahore display showed they could also dominate with the ball. For a team seeking a place in the final, the combination of a huge chase and a clinical bowling effort offered a timely boost.

Sri Lanka Make a Fast Start in the Chase

Chasing 111, Sri Lanka began aggressively and moved to 50 for one inside six overs. Avishka Fernando was dismissed for 16, but the early wicket did little to slow the scoring. Kamindu Mendis was unbeaten on 31 as Sri Lanka edged closer to the target.

The small total meant the chase was unlikely to require a prolonged effort, but a quick finish would still matter. A comfortable win could improve Sri Lanka’s position and provide momentum ahead of the remaining fixtures. It would also confirm the value of their bowling performance, which had reduced the run chase to a straightforward task.

What the Result Means for England’s Final Hopes

Pakistan had already booked their place in the final, leaving Sri Lanka and England competing for the remaining qualification opportunity. Sri Lanka entered the match knowing that victory was essential, while England needed the tournament’s results to fall their way.

With Sri Lanka moving into a strong position against Pakistan, England’s route to the final became increasingly difficult. The sides are scheduled to meet again on 29 October, but that fixture is expected to have no bearing on qualification if Sri Lanka’s place in the final is confirmed. England can still aim to finish the series positively, even if the result no longer changes the title match-up.

The final is scheduled for Saturday, 31 October, at Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan will face Sri Lanka. The hosts will have the advantage of playing at home, but Sri Lanka’s recent form makes them a serious challenger. Their record-breaking chase against England and their ability to dismiss Pakistan cheaply suggest they can threaten Pakistan in both innings.

Tri-Series Prediction: Pakistan and Sri Lanka Set for a Competitive Final

Based on the performances so far, the final prediction points to a closely contested match between two sides with contrasting strengths. Pakistan have been the most consistent team across the group stage, winning all three of their opening games and securing qualification early. Sri Lanka, however, have shown they can produce decisive performances under pressure.

The final may depend on whether Pakistan’s top order can withstand Sri Lanka’s pace attack, particularly after the visitors exposed weaknesses in the Lahore batting line-up. For Sri Lanka, the challenge will be to carry their recent momentum into the title match and avoid allowing Pakistan’s experienced players to dictate the contest.

For now, Sri Lanka’s dismissal of Pakistan for 110 stands as one of the defining performances of the tri-series. It has reshaped the qualification picture, strengthened the Islanders’ position and set up a potentially compelling final against a Pakistan side that will be eager to respond.