Madushanka's Five-For Fires Sri Lanka Into Tri-Series Final as England Crash Out

Sri Lanka have booked their place in the ODI tri-series final after a crushing win over Pakistan, a result that also ended England's hopes in the competition. Dilshan Madushanka was the star of the show, taking five wickets and earning the player-of-the-match award as Pakistan's previously unbeaten run in the tournament came to a juddering halt.

Chasing just 111 for victory, Sri Lanka made light work of the target despite losing Avishka Fernando for 16 and captain Kusal Mendis for eight early on. Kamindu Mendis took charge of the chase, finishing unbeaten on 62 from 60 balls with eight fours and two sixes, and combining sensible strike rotation with well-timed attacking strokes. Pavan Rathnayake provided valuable support, finishing unbeaten on 23 off 26 balls, as the pair added an unbroken 52-run partnership to take Sri Lanka across the line.

Sri Lanka reached 114 for two in just 18.1 overs, completing the chase with eight wickets in hand and nearly 32 overs to spare. The heavy defeat exposed weaknesses in Pakistan's batting order ahead of the title clash, but the hosts still advance to meet Sri Lanka again in the final on October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. For England, there is no way back: Sri Lanka's victory confirmed their elimination before their final league match against the islanders.