England Eliminated From Tri-Series After Sri Lanka Defeats Pakistan
Sri Lanka's victory over Pakistan ensures England cannot reach the final, regardless of their final group match outcome.
England's hopes of reaching the One-Day International tri-series final in Pakistan have been dashed after Sri Lanka defeated the hosts by eight wickets in Lahore on Tuesday. The result means England, who have already suffered three defeats in their campaign, are mathematically eliminated from contention for Saturday's final.
Pakistan collapsed to 110 all out in 25.2 overs, with Dilshan Madushanka taking 5-34 for Sri Lanka. Babar Azam was the highest scorer for Pakistan with 29 runs. Sri Lanka comfortably chased the target, reaching 114-2 in just 18.1 overs. Opener Kamindu Mendis remained unbeaten on 62 from 60 balls to secure the victory.
The exit marks a disappointing campaign for England, who had been looking to build momentum in their 50-over cricket. Following their World Cup defense in 2023 and a winless Champions Trophy campaign last year, England had secured series wins away in Sri Lanka and at home against India and Sri Lanka in 2026. However, their performances in Pakistan saw them fail to chase 303 despite a strong position at 120-1, and then suffer two unexpected losses. Sri Lanka achieved the second-highest chase in ODI history against England, and a subsequent last-wicket partnership secured an improbable win for Pakistan in another match.
England's final group match against Sri Lanka on Thursday will now be a dead rubber. After concluding their Pakistan tour, England is scheduled to travel to Australia for a series of three ODIs and five T20s, commencing on November 13. They will also play a warm-up match against a Western Australia XI on November 7 in Perth.