LAHORE: England ended their run of three successive defeats in the ODI tri-series with a 55-run victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday, but the result could not prevent the Lankans from qualifying for Saturday’s final alongside Pakistan.
England finish their ODI Tri-Series campaign on a high note with a 55-run win over Sri Lanka 🏏
#ENGvSL | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/oz9Hwv6Kiq
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 29, 2026
England posted a formidable 386-5 in their 50 overs before bowling Sri Lanka out for 331 in 45.1 overs in the sixth match of the tournament at Lahore.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have secured places in the final, while England bowed out despite producing a commanding performance to finish their campaign on a winning note.
Duckett’s century powers England
Ben Duckett led England’s batting charge with a magnificent 167 off 132 balls, striking 24 fours to put the visitors in control. Tom Banton provided a solid foundation with 74 off 75 deliveries, including eight fours and two sixes.
Read Also: England Openers Power 386-Run Total Against Sri Lanka in Tri-Series Clash
Captain Harry Brook contributed 44 off 34 balls, while Jordan Cox added a brisk 43 from 27 deliveries. Will Jacks scored 30 off 21 balls, and Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 21 off 12 as England finished at 386-5, scoring at 7.72 runs per over.
Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga claimed two wickets apiece for Sri Lanka, but Malinga conceded 101 runs in his 10 overs.
England defend 386 as Sri Lanka are bowled out for 331. A solid fighting effort from our boys, highlighted by Pavan Rathnayake’s brilliant century!
Up next: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in the FINAL! Let’s bring home the trophy!
#SriLankaCricket #SLvENG https://t.co/M9nmBKgH5T
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 29, 2026
Sri Lanka fall short despite Rathnayake’s century
Sri Lanka mounted a spirited chase, led by Pavan Rathnayake’s 118 off 77 balls, featuring 15 fours and a six. Captain Kusal Mendis also made a strong contribution, scoring 89 from 71 deliveries with eight fours and five sixes.
Avishka Fernando added 48, but England’s bowlers kept taking wickets at crucial moments to prevent Sri Lanka from completing the chase.
Liam Dawson was England’s most effective bowler, taking four wickets for 49 runs in his 10 overs. Sonny Baker claimed two wickets, while Sam Curran and Henry Crocombe took one each. Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 331, falling 55 runs short of the target.
Read Also: Pakistan Reach Tri-Series Final, But the Questions at the Top Remain
Pakistan and Sri Lanka set for Saturday final
The victory offered England a positive finish after three consecutive defeats in the tri-series. However, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will contest the final in Lahore on Saturday, with both sides having secured qualification before the tournament’s concluding match.
“Hopefully, we’re saving our best for the final” 🇵🇰
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson backs his side to rise to the occasion against Sri Lanka in the ODI Tri-Series final on Saturday 🏆🏏
#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan | #BackTheBoysInGreen https://t.co/8I8MAwx4M1
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 29, 2026
England’s big total and disciplined bowling provided a reminder of their potential, but their late resurgence came too late to secure a place in the title decider.
