Brief scores: Sri Lanka (114/2 in 18.1 overs) beat Pakistan (110 in 25.3 overs) by 8 wickets to seal the spot in the ODI tri-series final.

Sri Lanka booked their place in the ODI tri-series final after their bowlers dismissed Pakistan for 110 in Lahore on Tuesday, securing an eight-wicket win that ended England's hopes of reaching the title clash.

Dilshan Madushanka registered his career-best ODI figures of 5 for 34 to help the tourists bowl out Pakistan in 25.3 overs at the Gaddafi Stadium. Sri Lanka then chased down the target in 18.1 overs, finishing on 114 for 2 to set up a final against Pakistan on October 31.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to field, and his bowlers made the most of the decision. Madushanka struck at regular intervals to keep Pakistan's batting line-up in check, while Sahan Arachchige picked up two wickets for 24 runs. Pakistan's total was their second-lowest in an ODI on home soil. T

The hosts had entered the match after winning their first three games of the tournament. They beat England twice, including a thrilling one-wicket victory on Sunday, and also defeated Sri Lanka by 37 runs in their opening meeting. However, Pakistan struggled to cope with Sri Lanka's bowling attack on Tuesday and were left with a modest total to defend.

Sri Lanka's chase was led by Kamindu Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 62 off 60 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes. He helped the visitors reach their target comfortably, despite a couple of early scares during his innings.

Kamindu was dropped by the wicketkeeper before he had scored, giving him an early reprieve. He was also on 44 when he successfully overturned an on-field lbw decision after opting for a review. The left-hander made the most of those chances and brought up his half-century with a pull for six.

There was another moment of fortune for Kamindu when substitute fielder Ghazi Ghori touched the boundary with his foot while completing a catch. The reprieve allowed the batter to continue his innings, and he remained unbeaten as Sri Lanka completed the chase in 18.1 overs. Sri Lanka had earlier chased down 430 against England in Rawalpindi, the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.

The defeat ended England's hopes of reaching the final. Brendon McCullum's side had suffered three defeats in the tournament and needed Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka on Tuesday to remain in contention. England would then have had to defeat Sri Lanka in their final league match on Thursday to qualify for the title clash.

Instead, Sri Lanka's victory settled the qualification race before England's final league fixture. They will now play Sri Lanka on Thursday without a place in the final at stake, while Sri Lanka can use the match to prepare for the title clash.

Pakistan had already qualified for the final after winning their first three matches, including victories over England and Sri Lanka. They finished the league stage with six points from three wins, while Sri Lanka moved to four points with Tuesday's victory.

The two teams will meet again on October 31, this time with the tri-series trophy on the line. For Sri Lanka, the win also provides an opportunity to carry their momentum into the final after their earlier defeat to Pakistan in the tournament.

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