Sri Lanka Faces Pakistan in Match 5 of ODI Tri-Series in Lahore

Pakistan and Sri Lanka met on Tuesday in the fifth match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to field first, aiming to strengthen the team's standing in the tournament points table.

Entering the contest, the hosts had already secured a place in the final after winning all three of their previous matches, including a thrilling one-wicket victory over England featuring an unbeaten 113-run knock by Shadab Khan. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka entered the fixture with one win and one loss from their first two games, eager to bounce back following an earlier 37-run defeat against Pakistan.

Opting to bowl first, the Sri Lankan bowling attack dominated the pitch. Dilshan Madushanka spearheaded the effort with a career-best performance of 5 wickets for 34 runs, ultimately bowling Pakistan out for a total of 110 runs in 25.3 overs. Pakistan made two changes to its playing XI for the match, bringing in Maaz Sadaqat and Naseem Shah in place of Saim Ayub and Razaullah.

During Pakistan's innings, Babar Azam contributed a top score of 29 runs before the batting lineup folded under persistent pressure from the visiting bowlers. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi added late resistance with a quick 9 runs, including a six, before being caught in the deep off Madushanka to end the innings.

In response, Sri Lanka began its chase on the pitch, which analysts noted offered consistent pace and bounce alongside early movement. Openers and subsequent batters faced Pakistan's pace attack, with Haris Rauf and Arafat Minhas taking early wickets for the home side.

As the run chase progressed, Sri Lanka advanced to reach 66 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 9.2 overs. Batter Kamindu Mendis maintained stability at the crease alongside Pavan Rathnayake, keeping Sri Lanka well on track to chase down the modest target and enhance their path toward the tournament final.