Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in ODI tri-series match in Lahore
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the fifth match of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Tuesday. Pakistan were all out for 110 in 25.3 overs, and Sri Lanka chased the target of 111 in 18 overs.
- Sri Lanka won by eight wickets, losing two wickets in the chase of 111.
- Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in 25.3 overs after being asked to bat.
- Kamindu Mendis top-scored for Sri Lanka with 62.
- Pakistan had already qualified for the final on October 31.
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the fifth match of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday, October 27. It was Pakistan's first defeat in the tournament, after they had won all three of their earlier matches.
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. Pakistan made two changes to their side, bringing in Maaz Sadaqat for Saim Ayub and fast bowler Naseem Shah for Razaullah.
According to Daily Times, the home side lost six wickets for just 64 runs. Fakhar Zaman edged a delivery in the air and offered a simple catch to the fielders, and opener Maaz Sadaqat was then trapped in front of the wicket.
Pakistan's top and middle order could not recover, and the whole team was dismissed for 110 runs in 25.3 overs, according to Daily Pakistan. That left Sri Lanka a modest target of 111 runs.
Sri Lanka reached the target comfortably in 18 overs, losing only two wickets. Kamindu Mendis was the top scorer with 62 runs, while Avishka Fernando made 16.
Before the match, Pakistan were unbeaten in the tournament, having beaten England twice and Sri Lanka once. They had already booked their place in the final, which is scheduled for October 31. Express News reported ahead of the game that key players could be rested because of this.
Minute Mirror had said that Pakistan arrived on the back of Shadab Khan's match-winning century against England, with Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain. Sri Lanka were said to be fighting for a place in the final.
The match began at 1 pm at Gaddafi Stadium, according to Nawa-i-Waqt. Pakistan, already through to the title decider, now await the final on October 31.
Why it matters
Pakistani cricket fans had followed the unbeaten side's run to the tri-series final, and this result is its first loss in the event. Pakistan had already qualified for the final on October 31.
