Babar Azam Falls as Pakistan Lose Five Wickets Against Sri Lanka

Pakistan lost five wickets for 61 runs against Sri Lanka in the fifth ODI of the 2026 Pakistan Tri-Nation Series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis chose to bowl first, and his side quickly put Pakistan under pressure. The hosts struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals and reaching 61/5 after 13.1 overs.

Babar Azam falls after top-scoring with 29

Babar Azam was Pakistan’s top scorer with 29 off 33 balls, hitting five fours before Eshan Malinga trapped him lbw. His dismissal left Pakistan five down before the innings had reached 70.

Salman Ali Agha fell for nine off 14 balls just before Babar, caught by Mendis off Sahan Arachchige.

Pakistan’s opening pair failed to provide a solid start. Fakhar Zaman made five off 13 balls before Dilshan Madushanka dismissed him, while Maaz Sadaqat scored eight before falling lbw to Asitha Fernando.

Saad Baig added only five runs from eight deliveries. Madushanka took his wicket, with Janith Liyanage completing the catch.

Sri Lanka bowlers keep control

Madushanka led Sri Lanka’s attack with two wickets for 18 runs in five overs, including a maiden. Fernando took one wicket for 24 runs, while Arachchige and Malinga claimed one each.

Pakistan’s run rate stood at 4.63 when the fifth wicket fell. Hasan Nawaz was unbeaten on zero, with Arafat Minhas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf still to come.

Pakistan entered the match after winning their first three games in the tri-series and had already qualified for the October 31 final, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board.

However, the early collapse handed Sri Lanka control of the contest. Pakistan now need a recovery from Hasan Nawaz and the lower order to post a competitive total.

Sri Lanka had lost their previous meeting with Pakistan by 37 runs. Their disciplined start in Lahore gives them an opportunity to respond, while Pakistan must find a way to steady the innings before the damage becomes greater.

Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live On tapmad

Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live on tapmad for ball-by-ball action from the Tri-Series ODI. Follow every wicket, boundary and key moment as Pakistan fight to recover against Sri Lanka in Lahore.