Sri Lanka Humiliate Pakistan for 110, Knock England Out as Babar Azam’s Familiar Failure Exposes World Cup Alarm

LAHORE, Pakistan, October 27, 2026: Pakistan entered Tuesday’s ODI tri-series encounter against Sri Lanka unbeaten, already qualified for the final and seemingly in command of the tournament. Less than four hours later, their batting had been dismantled for 110 in just 25.3 overs, their bowlers had been dispatched with 191 deliveries remaining, and Sri Lanka had delivered a crushing eight-wicket victory at Gaddafi Stadium. Dilshan Madushanka’s devastating 5/34 and Kamindu Mendis’ unbeaten 62 secured Sri Lanka’s place in the October 31 final, simultaneously eliminating England from the competition.

For Pakistan, the embarrassment extended well beyond the result. Fakhar Zaman scored five, replacement opener Maaz Sadaqat eight, and Babar Azam once again wasted a promising start, falling for 29 after striking five boundaries. Pakistan slumped from 61/3 to 64/6 and were eventually dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total against Sri Lanka. The defeat exposed a batting unit increasingly reliant on extraordinary individual rescues rather than dependable partnerships, raising urgent questions about Pakistan’s readiness for the final and its preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Sri Lanka had lost the tournament opener against Pakistan by 37 runs in Rawalpindi. Nine days later, they reversed that result with an emphatic display of swing bowling, disciplined support spells and aggressive batting.

The contrast was striking.

TSE VISUAL BRIEFING

Story at a glance

01

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Fifth ODI Match Summary

The numerical dominance was considerable.

02

Dilshan Madushanka’s 5/34 Destroys Pakistan’s Batting

Dilshan Madushanka delivered the performance that established Sri Lanka’s control.

03

Sahan Arachchige, Eshan Malinga and Wellalage Complete Sri Lanka’s Bowling Domination

Madushanka deserved the leading headlines, but Sri Lanka’s dominance was built on a collective bowling performance.

04

Pakistan’s Top Three Fail Again: Fakhar 5, Maaz 8, Babar 29

Pakistan’s batting troubles are becoming the most significant concern surrounding the team.

05

Babar Azam’s 29: Another Start Without a Substantial Innings

Babar Azam’s dismissal deserves particular attention because Pakistan depend heavily on his ability to control an innings.

In Rawalpindi, Pakistan had scored 305 and successfully defended it. In Lahore, they could not survive 26 overs.

The performance deserves close examination because Pakistan’s problems have become increasingly visible despite their earlier victories.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Fifth ODI Match Summary

The numerical dominance was considerable.

Pakistan used only 153 of their available 300 deliveries before losing all ten wickets.

Sri Lanka required just 109 balls to complete the chase.

The visitors’ superior execution in both innings made this one of the most one-sided results of the tournament.

Dilshan Madushanka’s 5/34 Destroys Pakistan’s Batting

Dilshan Madushanka delivered the performance that established Sri Lanka’s control.

The left-arm fast bowler claimed five wickets for 34 runs from 8.3 overs, including one maiden, completing his career-best ODI bowling figures.

His spell immediately exposed Pakistan’s difficulties against accurate seam bowling.

Fakhar Zaman was his first victim, caught by Pavan Rathnayake for five.

The dismissal deprived Pakistan of one of their most aggressive opening options before the innings had properly developed.

Madushanka then removed wicketkeeper Saad Baig for five, caught by Janith Liyanage.

Pakistan were reduced to 46/3 in the tenth over.

Madushanka’s most important contribution came through his ability to sustain pressure after the initial breakthroughs.

Pakistan’s middle order was already struggling against Sri Lanka’s supporting bowlers, and Madushanka returned to dismantle the lower order.

He dismissed Arafat Minhas for ten.

Haris Rauf fell for one.

Finally, Madushanka removed Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi for 15 to complete his five-wicket haul and end the innings.

His performance was notable for its combination of wicket-taking threat and control.

Pakistan struggled to establish partnerships throughout his spell.

Dilshan Madushanka’s Match-Winning Performance

Madushanka delivered 51 legal balls, with 36 recorded as dots.

That meant approximately 70.6% of his legal deliveries did not produce a run from the bat or an extra.

Such sustained pressure was especially damaging against a batting lineup already struggling for confidence.

Sri Lanka benefited because wickets continued falling without the bowlers needing to concede substantial runs in pursuit of breakthroughs.

Sahan Arachchige, Eshan Malinga and Wellalage Complete Sri Lanka’s Bowling Domination

Madushanka deserved the leading headlines, but Sri Lanka’s dominance was built on a collective bowling performance.

Sahan Arachchige finished with 2/24 from five overs.

He dismissed Salman Ali Agha for nine before removing Shadab Khan for two.

Those wickets arrived during Pakistan’s most damaging batting collapse.

Salman fell with Pakistan at 61/4.

Babar departed on the following delivery from Eshan Malinga, leaving Pakistan at 61/5.

Arachchige then dismissed Shadab with the score on 64.

Pakistan had lost three wickets for three runs.

Eshan Malinga contributed a highly economical spell of 1/8 from four overs.

His dismissal of Babar Azam was particularly important because Pakistan’s most experienced specialist batter had begun finding boundaries.

Malinga trapped Babar lbw for 29, eliminating the possibility of a substantial recovery around him.

Dunith Wellalage claimed 1/4 from two overs, dismissing Hasan Nawaz for 17.

Asitha Fernando removed Maaz Sadaqat and finished with 1/34.

Sri Lanka therefore took all ten wickets through five different bowlers.

Sri Lanka Bowling Analysis

Sri Lanka’s bowlers collectively conceded only 104 runs from the bat and bowling extras, with six additional leg-byes completing Pakistan’s total.

Malinga and Wellalage conceded just 12 runs from their combined six overs.

Their control ensured Pakistan had virtually no opportunity to counterattack once the top order began collapsing.

Pakistan’s Top Three Fail Again: Fakhar 5, Maaz 8, Babar 29

Pakistan’s batting troubles are becoming the most significant concern surrounding the team.

The first three batters contributed only 42 runs.

Fakhar Zaman scored five from 13 deliveries, Maaz Sadaqat made eight from 11, and Babar Azam contributed 29 from 33.

Pakistan had already made a significant selection decision before the match.

Saim Ayub, who had failed to reach double figures in his three tournament innings, was released from the ODI squad to return to domestic cricket and work on his form.

The decision followed discussions between Ayub and head coach Mike Hesson.

Maaz Sadaqat received an opportunity at the top of the order against Sri Lanka, but his innings ended before he could establish himself.

The change therefore failed to produce an immediate solution.

Fakhar also continued struggling for consistency.

His dismissal for five meant Pakistan lost an opener before the fourth over was completed.

Babar offered some resistance, but his contribution was insufficient to stabilize the innings.

Pakistan’s Top-Order Performance Against Sri Lanka

Three top-order batters consuming 57 deliveries while producing only 42 runs would be concerning in a 50-over chase.

In this match, the consequences were worse because the middle order failed to compensate.

Pakistan never recovered from the early damage.

Babar Azam’s 29: Another Start Without a Substantial Innings

Babar Azam’s dismissal deserves particular attention because Pakistan depend heavily on his ability to control an innings.

Against Sri Lanka, he briefly appeared comfortable.

He struck five boundaries during his 29 from 33 deliveries and scored at a strike rate of 87.88.

His timing suggested he had an opportunity to rebuild the innings after the early dismissals of Fakhar and Maaz.

However, Eshan Malinga trapped him lbw in the 14th over.

Pakistan were 61/5.

Babar had faced enough deliveries to become established but failed to convert that start into the substantial innings his team needed.

That has become a recurring concern.

In Pakistan’s opening tournament match against Sri Lanka, Babar scored 45 from 57 deliveries.

He subsequently failed to make a substantial contribution against England and again fell short against Sri Lanka in Lahore.

The concern is not that Babar cannot score boundaries or survive the initial overs.

His technical ability and ODI record remain well established.

The issue is the team’s growing dependence on him to turn starts into innings of 70, 90 or 100 runs.

When he falls after reaching 20 or 40, Pakistan frequently lose the batter most capable of anchoring their innings.

That exposes an already inconsistent middle order.

Why Babar’s Conversion Problem Matters

There is an important difference between a batter being unable to get started and a batter repeatedly failing after getting established.

Babar has shown that he can still find boundaries.

His 29 included five fours, accounting for 20 of his runs.

However, the innings ended before he could build a partnership capable of changing the match.

In this particular encounter, Pakistan required someone to remain at the crease after losing the openers.

Babar’s dismissal removed their strongest candidate.

The effect became immediate.

Shadab fell shortly afterward, and Pakistan slumped to 64/6.

Babar’s individual form should therefore be assessed in the context of Pakistan’s collective batting weakness rather than treated as an isolated personal failure.

The Collapse From 61/3 to 64/6 Exposes Pakistan’s Middle Order

The most damaging phase of Pakistan’s innings came between the 13th and 15th overs.

At 61/3, Pakistan had already suffered early setbacks, but recovery remained possible.

Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam and Shadab Khan were among the batters expected to provide stability.

Instead, all three departed within ten deliveries.

Salman fell for nine.

Babar was trapped lbw for 29.

Shadab scored two before Arachchige removed him.

Pakistan were 64/6.

The loss of three wickets for just three runs effectively ended Pakistan’s hopes of building a competitive total.

Pakistan’s Collapse: Where the Match Was Lost

The score progression demonstrates how little resistance Pakistan offered once Babar departed.

Hasan Nawaz scored 17 from 31 deliveries.

Arafat Minhas added ten.

Shaheen struck two sixes during his 15 from 13 balls.

None managed to produce a partnership capable of taking Pakistan toward even 150.

The innings ended with 24.3 overs unused.

That is almost half the allotted 50-over innings.

Shadab Khan’s Collapse From Hero to Two Runs Shows Why Pakistan Cannot Depend on Miracles

Two days earlier, Shadab Khan had produced one of the most extraordinary innings in ODI history.

Against England, he scored an unbeaten 113 from 96 deliveries and shared a world-record 89-run tenth-wicket partnership with Haris Rauf.

Pakistan recovered from 154/9 to win by one wicket.

The victory understandably generated enormous excitement.

However, the performance also concealed deeper batting problems.

Against Sri Lanka, Shadab managed just two runs from five deliveries.

He was dismissed by Sahan Arachchige with Pakistan already struggling at 61/5.

The contrasting innings illustrate the danger of treating extraordinary individual performances as evidence of collective batting strength.

Shadab’s century against England was exceptional.

Expecting him to repeat such an innings whenever the top order collapses is unrealistic.

The match against Sri Lanka exposed exactly that vulnerability.

When the lower order failed to produce another rescue, Pakistan were dismissed for 110.

The Sports Encounter examined the earlier escape in Shadab Khan’s miracle century against England and his record partnership with Haris Rauf.

The two matches, played just 48 hours apart, provide one of the clearest illustrations of Pakistan’s current ODI instability.

Kamindu Mendis’ Unbeaten 62 Makes Sri Lanka’s Chase Look Effortless

Sri Lanka’s batting response was as assured as Pakistan’s had been disjointed.

Kamindu Mendis led the chase with an unbeaten 62 from 60 deliveries.

He struck eight fours and two sixes, scoring at a strike rate of 103.33.

Sri Lanka had only 111 to chase, but Kamindu ensured Pakistan never developed significant pressure.

He attacked scoring opportunities early and prevented the hosts from establishing the kind of sustained bowling control Sri Lanka had achieved.

Avishka Fernando scored 16 from 17 deliveries before Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed him.

Captain Kusal Mendis contributed eight from six balls before falling to Arafat Minhas.

Sri Lanka were 62/2 in the ninth over.

Pakistan briefly had two wickets, but the target was already within easy reach.

Kamindu continued playing positively, while Pavan Rathnayake supplied the support required to complete the chase.

Rathnayake remained unbeaten on 23 from 26 deliveries.

Together, they finished the match without allowing Pakistan another breakthrough.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Performance

Kamindu contributed 54.39% of Sri Lanka’s runs.

However, the innings never required the kind of rebuilding effort Pakistan had failed to produce.

Sri Lanka’s batters maintained control throughout most of the chase.

Pakistan’s Bowling Attack Cannot Defend an Inadequate Total

Pakistan’s bowling resources remain one of the team’s strongest assets, but even an outstanding attack would struggle to defend 110 in an ODI.

Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed 1/29 from six overs, removing Avishka Fernando.

Arafat Minhas took 1/23 from five, dismissing Kusal Mendis.

Those were Pakistan’s only wickets.

Naseem Shah conceded 29 from four overs.

Haris Rauf went for 27 from three.

Maaz Sadaqat bowled the final delivery of the match, conceding the boundary that completed Sri Lanka’s victory.

Pakistan had briefly reduced Sri Lanka to 62/2, but the remaining target was too small to create sustained pressure.

Pakistan Bowling Analysis

Pakistan’s bowlers cannot reasonably carry the blame for a match in which the opposition needed only 111 to win.

The batting failure had already placed the hosts in an almost impossible position.

Five Turning Points That Defined Sri Lanka’s Victory

1. Madushanka Removes Fakhar Early

Fakhar’s dismissal for five exposed Pakistan’s fragile opening combination.

Sri Lanka immediately gained control.

2. Pakistan Lose Both Openers for 23

Maaz Sadaqat followed Fakhar, leaving Babar and the middle order responsible for rebuilding.

Pakistan failed to establish a substantial partnership.

3. Babar, Salman and Shadab Fall for Three Additional Runs

Pakistan collapsed from 61/3 to 64/6.

That sequence effectively eliminated any realistic prospect of a competitive total.

4. Madushanka Completes His Five-Wicket Haul

The left-arm fast bowler returned to dismiss the lower order and complete a career-best 5/34.

Pakistan were all out for 110.

5. Kamindu’s Unbeaten 62 Completes Sri Lanka’s Domination

Kamindu controlled the chase, supported by Rathnayake, as Sri Lanka reached 114/2 in 18.1 overs.

The result secured qualification for the final and ended England’s remaining hopes.

From 305 to 110: Pakistan’s Batting Decline Against the Same Opponent

The most revealing statistical comparison comes from Pakistan’s two matches against Sri Lanka.

On October 18, Pakistan scored 305 in Rawalpindi.

Salman Ali Agha produced a century, and the hosts won by 37 runs.

Nine days later, the same opposition dismissed Pakistan for 110.

The difference was 195 runs.

Pakistan’s Two Matches Against Sri Lanka

The difference between the matches cannot be explained solely by pitch conditions or personnel changes without further evidence.

Sri Lanka bowled considerably better in Lahore.

Pakistan also failed to respond with sufficient discipline and adaptability.

The comparison demonstrates how quickly Pakistan’s batting can move from a competitive total to complete failure.

Read The Sports Encounter’s report on Salman Ali Agha’s 107 and Pakistan’s opening victory over Sri Lanka for the earlier encounter.

Did Pakistan Become Complacent After Qualifying for the Final?

Pakistan had already secured a place in the final before facing Sri Lanka.

That reduced the immediate qualification consequences of Tuesday’s defeat.

However, the match still carried significant competitive value.

Pakistan had an opportunity to continue its unbeaten run, examine its opening combination and test its batting depth against a potential final opponent.

Instead, the team suffered its worst batting performance of the tournament.

There is a legitimate question about whether qualification reduced the urgency with which Pakistan approached the match.

However, complacency is an interpretation rather than an established fact about the players’ motivation.

The observable evidence is clear: Pakistan’s batters failed to construct partnerships, continued losing wickets against disciplined bowling and did not adjust successfully to Sri Lanka’s attack.

Management may regard the defeat as a useful warning before the final.

That will depend on whether meaningful changes follow.

A poor result can sometimes expose problems that were previously hidden by victories.

Pakistan’s dramatic win over England had already demonstrated how close the team could come to defeat despite possessing exceptional individual talent.

Sri Lanka’s victory removed the rescue act and exposed the underlying batting weaknesses.

Sri Lanka Qualify for the Final and Eliminate England

Sri Lanka’s victory transformed the remaining tournament schedule.

Pakistan had already qualified with three wins.

Sri Lanka entered the match needing another victory to strengthen its position.

By defeating Pakistan, Sri Lanka secured its second tournament win and reached four points.

England have lost all three of their matches.

Even victory over Sri Lanka on October 29 would leave England with only two points.

Consequently, the final group match can no longer change the identity of the finalists.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet again on October 31.

Qualification Position After October 27

England’s elimination is particularly disappointing given the extraordinary individual performances produced during the tournament.

Harry Brook scored 202 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, but England still lost after Sri Lanka completed a remarkable chase of 430.

England subsequently appeared certain to beat Pakistan in Lahore when the hosts were 154/9, only for Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf to produce their world-record tenth-wicket partnership.

Sri Lanka’s victory has now ended England’s mathematical hopes altogether.

The final group encounter between England and Sri Lanka remains scheduled for October 29, but it is no longer a qualification decider.

What Pakistan’s Top-Order Struggles Mean for the 2027 Cricket World Cup

The concerns raised by Pakistan’s performance extend beyond Saturday’s tri-series final.

The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21.

Pakistan are drawn in Group A alongside India, Australia, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and a qualifier.

The format increases the importance of performing consistently against strong opposition.

Pakistan’s top order cannot afford to repeatedly expose the middle order before the innings has developed.

In South African conditions, where seam movement and pace can challenge opening batters, technical discipline and adaptability will be especially important.

The concern is not simply that Pakistan scored 110 against Sri Lanka.

The more serious issue is the recurring pattern of early dismissals, interrupted partnerships and dependence on isolated rescue innings.

Three Problems Pakistan Must Address Before the World Cup

Opening stability: Pakistan need a settled opening combination capable of surviving the new ball while keeping the scoring rate competitive.

Saim Ayub’s temporary return to domestic cricket reflects an attempt to address his form.

However, the replacement options must also demonstrate consistency rather than simply provide short-term experimentation.

Babar Azam’s conversion rate: Pakistan require their most experienced batter to convert starts into substantial innings.

Scores of 20, 30 or 40 may provide foundations, but they are rarely enough when the rest of the lineup is struggling.

Middle-order accountability: Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan and the other middle-order options must contribute through partnerships rather than isolated individual performances.

Pakistan’s bowling attack can win matches, but it requires defendable totals and manageable targets.

The ICC has already confirmed the World Cup schedule and competition structure in its official 2027 Cricket World Cup announcement.

The next year gives Pakistan time to address its batting problems.

However, Tuesday’s result suggests the process requires urgency.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Complete Match Scorecard

Pakistan Innings: 110 All Out in 25.3 Overs

Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Fakhar Zaman, 3.2), 2-23 (Maaz Sadaqat, 6.2), 3-46 (Saad Baig, 9.2), 4-61 (Salman Ali Agha, 12.6), 5-61 (Babar Azam, 13.1), 6-64 (Shadab Khan, 14.4), 7-91 (Arafat Minhas, 21.4), 8-91 (Hasan Nawaz, 22.3), 9-92 (Haris Rauf, 23.1), 10-110 (Shaheen Shah Afridi, 25.3).

Sri Lanka Bowling

Sri Lanka Innings: 114/2 in 18.1 Overs

Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Avishka Fernando, 6.5), 2-62 (Kusal Mendis, 8.5).

Pakistan Bowling

Result: Sri Lanka won by eight wickets with 191 balls remaining.

Player of the Match: Dilshan Madushanka, 5/34.Scorecard reconciled across completed statistical records. Batting runs, extras, bowling runs, wickets and innings totals balance.

What Pakistan Must Do Before Saturday’s Final

Pakistan now have four days to assess the implications of their first defeat in the tournament.

The selectors and coaching staff face several decisions.

The opening partnership remains unsettled following Saim Ayub’s release from the squad.

Fakhar Zaman has not provided the sustained starts Pakistan need.

Babar Azam continues reaching promising positions without consistently converting them into decisive innings.

The middle order remains vulnerable when early wickets fall.

Pakistan must also assess whether the team approached Tuesday’s match with sufficient competitive urgency after already qualifying for the final.

The result does not independently establish complacency, but it certainly demonstrates that qualification provided no guarantee of batting stability.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have considerable reasons for confidence.

Madushanka has produced a match-winning five-wicket haul.

The supporting bowlers demonstrated control and discipline.

Kamindu Mendis completed the chase without difficulty.

The visitors have now defeated England and Pakistan in successive tournament appearances, giving them considerable momentum before the final.

For Pakistan, Saturday represents an opportunity to restore confidence.

For Sri Lanka, it offers a chance to complete an impressive tournament recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who won Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on October 27, 2026?

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by eight wickets at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, successfully chasing 111 in 18.1 overs.

Who was Player of the Match?

Dilshan Madushanka received the award for his career-best 5/34 from 8.3 overs.

Why did Pakistan score only 110?

Pakistan suffered repeated top-order and middle-order dismissals against accurate Sri Lankan bowling. The most damaging phase saw the hosts collapse from 61/3 to 64/6.

How many runs did Babar Azam score?

Babar scored 29 from 33 deliveries, including five fours, before Eshan Malinga dismissed him lbw.

Why was Saim Ayub absent?

Saim was released from Pakistan’s ODI squad to return to domestic cricket and work on his batting form after failing to reach double figures in his three tournament innings.

Has England been eliminated?

Yes. Sri Lanka’s second victory gave them four points, while England can finish with a maximum of two. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have qualified for the final.

When is the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka final?

The final is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

What does the result mean for Pakistan’s 2027 Cricket World Cup preparations?

The result highlights unresolved questions about Pakistan’s opening partnership, Babar Azam’s conversion of starts into substantial scores and the middle order’s ability to recover from early wickets. One defeat does not determine World Cup performance, but the recurring pattern requires attention.

The Sports Encounter Verdict: A Warning Pakistan Cannot Ignore

Pakistan’s defeat against Sri Lanka was more significant than the loss of an unbeaten record.

The hosts had already qualified for the final and therefore faced no immediate danger of elimination.

However, they had an opportunity to establish momentum, settle their batting combination and demonstrate that their earlier victories reflected genuine collective strength.

Instead, Sri Lanka exposed the problems that extraordinary individual performances had previously concealed.

Madushanka’s bowling was outstanding.

Kamindu Mendis’ batting was assured.

Sri Lanka thoroughly deserved the victory.

Pakistan must now confront a difficult reality.

A team that needs its lower order to rescue repeated top-order failures is carrying a weakness that stronger opponents will eventually exploit.

The warning arrives at an important moment.

Pakistan have a tri-series final in four days and less than a year before the 2027 World Cup.

There is enough time to address the problems, but improvement requires more than another batting-order reshuffle.

Pakistan need a reliable opening partnership, greater accountability from established batters and a middle order capable of building substantial partnerships under pressure.

Sri Lanka have provided the evidence.

Saturday’s final will offer the first opportunity to demonstrate whether Pakistan have learned anything from it.