Sri Lanka Beat Pakistan, England Eliminated

Sri Lanka guaranteed a place in the final of the ODI tri-series by beating Pakistan by eight wickets in Lahore on Tuesday. The win also ended England's chances of reaching the final.

Having lost three matches in the tournament, England needed Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka and then to beat Sri Lanka again on Thursday to keep their hopes alive. Pakistan never produced a performance that fit that scenario.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat first. Dilshan Madushanka had the best ODI performance of his career, taking five wickets for 34 runs. Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in 25.3 overs. This was Pakistan's second-lowest ODI total at home.

Kamindu Mendis was key to Sri Lanka's chase. He carried the team to victory with an unbeaten 62 off 60 balls, and Sri Lanka reached the target in 18.1 overs. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said the top order had collapsed in the last three or four matches and that the team would return stronger in the final.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan will meet in the final on Saturday, 31 October.