Sri Lanka produced a commanding performance at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 27 October 2026, beating Pakistan by 8 wickets in the 5th ODI of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 and booking their place in the final. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, Sri Lanka dismissed Pakistan for just 110 in 25.3 overs and then chased the target with ease, reaching 114 for 2 in only 18.1 overs, with 191 balls to spare.
Dilshan Madushanka was the destroyer-in-chief with a career-best 5 for 34 in 8.3 overs, while Kamindu Mendis finished the job with an unbeaten 62 off 60 balls. The scale of the win was striking: Pakistan, who had already qualified for the final, were bowled out in little more than half their overs, and Sri Lanka barely broke sweat in the chase.
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 5th ODI, 27 October 2026, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Pakistan | 110 all out in 25.3 overs |
| Sri Lanka | 114 for 2 in 18.1 overs |
| Result | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets, with 191 balls remaining |
| Toss | Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first |
| Player of the Match | Dilshan Madushanka, 5 for 34 in 8.3 overs |
Pakistan innings: collapse to 110
Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first paid off immediately. Dilshan Madushanka led a relentless attack, taking a career-best 5 for 34 in 8.3 overs, while Sahan Arachchige claimed 2 for 24. Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga and Dunith Wellalage took one wicket each, and Pakistan never found a partnership that could change the momentum.
Babar Azam top-scored with 29 off 33 balls, including five fours, but he found little support. Hasan Nawaz made 17 off 31, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi hit 15 off 13 with two sixes, and Arafat Minhas added 10 off 18. The rest of the batting line-up fell cheaply: Fakhar Zaman 5, Maaz Sadaqat 8, Saad Baig 5, Salman Ali Agha 9, Shadab Khan 2 and Haris Rauf 1, while Naseem Shah finished 2 not out.
Sri Lanka innings: Kamindu seals the chase
Chasing only 111, Sri Lanka started brightly, with the openers putting on 50 in seven overs. Avishka Fernando made 16 off 17 and Kusal Mendis scored 8 off 6, before Pakistan claimed their only two wickets: Shaheen Afridi took 1 for 29 and Arafat Minhas took 1 for 23.
From there, Kamindu Mendis took control. He reached his fifty off 42 balls and finished unbeaten on 62 off 60, hitting eight fours and two sixes. Pavan Rathnayake supported him with 23 not out off 26, and Sri Lanka completed the win in 18.1 overs, a margin that underlined how one-sided the match had become.
Key performances
- Dilshan Madushanka: 5 for 34 in 8.3 overs, a career-best spell and Player of the Match.
- Kamindu Mendis: 62 not out off 60 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, with fifty off 42 balls.
- Babar Azam: 29 off 33 balls, Pakistan’s top score in a low total.
- Sahan Arachchige and Pavan Rathnayake: Arachchige took 2 for 24, while Rathnayake finished 23 not out off 26.
What it means for the tri-series final
The result completes the final line-up. Pakistan had already qualified before this match, and Sri Lanka now join them in the final at the same venue on 31 October. England, winless after losing their first three matches, are eliminated.
Sri Lanka still face England on 29 October, but that match is now a dead rubber and only a warm-up for the final. For Pakistan, the heavy defeat is a warning, while for Sri Lanka, the emphatic win is a statement of intent before the two sides meet again.
For context, read the preview of this match and the recap of the first ODI between the sides in this series.
FAQs
What was the result of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 5th ODI? Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets, chasing 111 to reach 114 for 2 in 18.1 overs after bowling Pakistan out for 110 in 25.3 overs.
Who was Pakistan’s top scorer? Babar Azam, with 29 off 33 balls, including five fours.
Who was Player of the Match? Dilshan Madushanka, for his career-best 5 for 34 in 8.3 overs.
Who plays the tri-series final, and when? Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, on 31 October at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
In the end, this was a complete Sri Lanka performance: a ruthless bowling display, a calm chase and a final place secured in style. Pakistan will need a sharp response when the two sides meet again on 31 October, but Sri Lanka head into that final with confidence and momentum.
Full scorecard: ESPNcricinfo scorecard.
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
