Madushanka's 5-Wicket Haul Helps Sri Lanka Crush Pakistan

Dilshan Madushanka's five-wicket haul powered Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the ODI tri-series fifth match at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday. The victory secures Sri Lanka a place in the final against Pakistan on October 31.

The win also ended England's chances of lifting the trophy. Pakistan, which has won three of its four matches, sits at the top of the standings. Sri Lanka has won two of its three matches so far.

After Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat, the hosts were dismissed for 110 in 25.3 overs. Madushanka's spell in 8.3 overs, which returned 34 runs and five wickets, was the defining performance of the match.

Pakistan's innings began poorly. Fakhar Zaman and Maaz Sadaqat added just 11 runs for the first wicket, and Fakhar went for 5. Sadaqat added 12 with Babar Azam for the second wicket, and two quick dismissals at 23 put the innings under strain.

Babar Azam made 29, and his 23-run partnership with Saad Baig for the third wicket offered a brief respite. The collapse continued after that stand, with six wickets down for 64. Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz added 27 for the seventh wicket, but the total remained well below par.

Sahan Arachchige supported Madushanka with two wickets. Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Dunith Wellalage each took one.

Sri Lanka's chase required 18.1 overs. Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando scored 50 runs in 41 balls for the opening stand. Avishka made 16 before Kusal Mendis fell for 8, leaving Sri Lanka at 62 for 2. Kamindu Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake then shared an unbeaten 52-run partnership for the third wicket to complete the victory.

Shaheen Afridi and Arafat Minhas picked up one wicket each for Pakistan. Sri Lanka will now prepare for the final, while England faces its last match in the series to protect its reputation.