Pakistan lose to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Lahore as England crash out of tri-series
Hosts Pakistan have lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the tri-nation ODI series in Lahore. The defeat also knocks England out of the series, because England's last hope of reaching the final depended on Sri Lanka losing to Pakistan.
Harry Brook's England have lost all three of their matches. Had Pakistan beaten Sri Lanka on Tuesday, England would have had a chance to beat Sri Lanka on Thursday and take a place in Saturday's final. Pakistan's helpless surrender has ended that hope as well.
Batting first, Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 runs in 25.3 overs. Babar Azam top-scored for the side with 29.
Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals against Sri Lanka's commanding bowling. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka took five wickets for 34 runs, while Sahan Arachchige took two for 24.
In reply, Sri Lanka reached the target in just 18.1 overs, losing only two wickets.
Opener Kamindu Mendis guided his team home with an unbeaten 62 off 60 balls, an innings that included eight fours and two sixes. Pavan Rathnayake remained unbeaten on 23.
The result turns Thursday's England-Sri Lanka match into a mere formality, while Sri Lanka have issued a statement of their strength ahead of Saturday's final.
