Sri Lankan Bowlers Wreak Havoc: Pakistan Bowled Out for 110 in 25.3 Overs, Madushanka Takes 5/34

Lahore: In the fifth match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan's batting collapsed spectacularly, getting bowled out for just 110 runs in 25.3 overs. Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka tore through the line-up with figures of 5/34 in 8.3 overs. Put in to bat after losing the toss, Pakistan never recovered from early blows. Both openers failed to reach double figures, and no substantial partnership materialised. Babar Azam top-scored with 29, but couldn't convert his start. Hasan Nawaz crawled to 17 off 31 balls, while Shaheen Afridi's 15 off 13 only highlighted the top-order failure. Madushanka's spell was the standout, maintaining an economy of 4.00 and a strike rate of 10.2 balls per wicket. He bowled 33% of the innings' overs and consistently picked up wickets without leaking runs. Pakistan wasted 24.3 overs, a clear indication of technical unpreparedness rather than just a slow pitch. The average partnership lasted only about 15 balls. The hosts, usually strong at home, suffered a rare batting implosion. The toss did not decide the outcome; the magnitude of the collapse pointed to deeper issues. Sri Lanka's decision to field first suggested they read the conditions well. The tri-series context added pressure, as this was a mid-tournament fixture with table implications. Madushanka's performance raised his profile, while Pakistan's batting depth and opening stability remain concerns. The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium, normally batting-friendly, behaved unusually, but no official pitch report was available. Commercially, the tri-series holds limited value, but a heavy home defeat damages the brand. No governance or integrity issues arose. Pakistan need to address their batting technique and strategy ahead of future assignments, while Sri Lanka will take confidence from their bowling display.