Mendis' Half-Century & Madushanka's Five-For Thrash Pakistan in ODI Tri-Series Match 5

LAHORE: Sri Lanka reaches the ODI Tri-series final in emphatic fashion, dismantling a lackluster Pakistan by eight wickets in Match 5 at the Gaddafi Stadium. 

Driven by Dilshan Madushanka’s five-wicket haul and Kamindu Mendis’ half-century, Sri Lanka has booked their ticket to the tournament's ultimate showpiece.

Winning the toss and electing to field first, Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis (c) reaped immediate rewards from his decision. The Pakistani opening pair looked utterly helpless against a moving white ball. Left-arm speedster Dilshan Madushanka produced an opening spell of absolute venom, extracting sharp bounce and late swing that caught the Pakistani top order completely off guard. 

He struck early and repeatedly, leaving the crowd in stunned silence as the hosts collapsed to a humiliating depth within the first powerplay.

Babar Azam attempted to single-handedly reconstruct the shattered innings, grinding out a top score of 29 runs from 33 deliveries. However, his resistance was short-lived. Deprived of any meaningful partnerships from the opposite end, Babar eventually mistimed a probing delivery, handing Madushanka another prized scalp. 

The lower order offered little to no defiance against the turning ball either. Sahan Arachchige claimed 2 for 24, but the afternoon belonged strictly to Madushanka. The youngster finished with sensational, career-best figures of 5 for 34, single-handedly skittling Pakistan out for 110 runs in just 25.3 overs.

Chasing a target of 111, Sri Lanka experienced a minor stutter when Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers extracted early breakthroughs, dismissing both openers cheaply. Sensing a slight opening, the Lahore crowd found its voice, but Kamindu Mendis arrived at the crease to completely suck the oxygen out of the stadium.

Displaying an immaculate blend of technical defense and calculated aggression, Mendis asserted total dominance over both pace and spin. He regularly pierced the infield with crisp cover drives and used his feet elegantly against the spinners to launch two sixes into the stands. Mendis’ half-century arrived in just 53 balls, serving as the definitive anchor for the chase.

Ably supported by Pavan Rathnayake, who remained unbeaten on a composed 23, Mendis guided Sri Lanka past the finish line in just 18.1 overs with a staggering 191 balls left to spare. Finishing on an unbeaten 62 off 60 balls, Mendis ensured the victory walk was a clinical stroll.

With this eight-wicket triumph, Sri Lanka effectively secures their place in the grand finale alongside Pakistan in the ODI tri-series 2026. While this fixture was technically a dead rubber for the hosts, the sheer manner of the defeat will send massive alarm bells through the Pakistani dressing room.