Sri Lanka rout Pakistan by 8 wickets to eliminate England from ODI tri-series final

Sri Lanka delivered a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan on Tuesday, producing a clinical all-round performance to knock England out of contention for the ODI tri-series final. Fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka led the charge with a career-best five-wicket haul before Kamindu Mendis anchored a comfortable chase, giving Sri Lanka a timely boost ahead of the title clash.Madushanka's career-best five-for dismantles PakistanMadushanka returned figures of 5-34 as Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 after Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to field at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan, who had already secured their place in the final, struggled to cope with Madushanka's bowling as Sri Lanka's attack dismantled their batting line-up. The hosts were unable to build a substantial partnership, leaving Sri Lanka with a modest target to chase.Kamindu Mendis anchors comfortable chaseIn reply, Sri Lanka raced to 114-2 in just 18.1 overs, completing the chase well before the floodlight towers were fully switched on for the day-night encounter.Kamindu starred with an unbeaten 62 off 60 deliveries, striking eight fours and two sixes. He survived an early reprieve after being dropped by the wicketkeeper before opening his account and later overturned an on-field lbw decision on 44 after successfully reviewing the call.The left-hander brought up his half-century in memorable fashion, pulling a delivery for six after substitute fielder Ghazi Ghori had touched the boundary with his foot while completing a catch.Sri Lanka bounce back as England crash outSri Lanka's emphatic win came after their remarkable chase of 430 against England in Rawalpindi, the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history. The latest result also served as a strong response to their 37-run defeat against Pakistan in the tournament opener.Pakistan had already secured their place in the final after winning their first two matches against England, including a thrilling one-wicket victory on Sunday. They finished the league stage with six points from three wins.Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have four points and will face England on Thursday in their final league fixture as they prepare for Saturday's final against Pakistan. England's hopes of reaching the title clash ended with Sri Lanka's dominant performance.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.