Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets to reach tri-series final

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the fifth match of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday. The result secured the visitors a place in Saturday's final and, according to The Nation Sports, eliminated England from contention.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. Pakistan's top order failed again: Fakhar Zaman made 5, Maaz Sadaqat 8, Saad Baig 5 and Salman Ali Agha 9. Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 29.

Shadab Khan was caught after making 2 runs. According to Daily Pakistan, he wanted to review the decision but Pakistan had no reviews left. Hasan Nawaz scored 17, Arafat Minhas 10, Haris Rauf 1 and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi 15.

Pakistan were all out for 110 in 25.3 overs. Daily Pakistan reported this as the third-lowest score in ODIs between the two teams.

Dilshan Madushanka took 5 wickets for 34 runs, which the report described as the best bowling of his career. Sahan Arachchige took 2 wickets, while Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Dunith Wellalage took one each.

Sri Lanka chased the target of 111 in 18 overs, losing two wickets. Kamindu Mendis top-scored with 62, Avishka Fernando made 16 and Kusal Mendis 8.

Pakistan had already qualified for the final. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi urged his team to move on from the defeat and regroup, promising a stronger batting performance in the final at the same ground on Saturday.

Pakistan batting coach Mike Smith said the team did not play quality cricket against Sri Lanka. He said the side would review its own mistakes rather than blame the pitch.