LAHORE: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first against England in the sixth and final league-stage match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Thursday.
The match holds little significance for qualification, with Sri Lanka already securing a place in Saturday’s final against hosts Pakistan, while England have been eliminated following three consecutive defeats.
Sri Lanka enter the contest with confidence after registering an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan on Tuesday.
Fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka produced a match-winning performance, claiming five wickets for 34 runs as Pakistan were dismissed for just 110 in 25.3 overs.
Kamindu Mendis then struck an unbeaten 62 to guide Sri Lanka to victory in 18.1 overs, confirming their place in the tournament final.
England Seek Consolation Victory
England, led by Harry Brook, will be looking to end their disappointing campaign on a positive note after losing all three of their previous matches.
Their most recent defeat came against Pakistan on Sunday, when the hosts secured a dramatic one-wicket victory in Lahore.
England will also be seeking revenge for their extraordinary previous encounter with Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on October 22.
In that match, Brook smashed an unbeaten 202 off 114 deliveries as England posted a formidable 429 for four.
However, Sri Lanka completed a remarkable chase, reaching 430 for eight with one delivery remaining.
Pavan Rathnayake played a crucial role with 130 runs, while Janith Liyanage contributed to the successful chase.
The result marked the second-highest successful run chase in men’s ODI history.
Sri Lanka Prepare for Pakistan Final
Thursday’s match provides Sri Lanka with another opportunity to assess their preparations before facing Pakistan in the title decider on October 31.
Their bowling attack has emerged as a major strength, particularly following Madushanka’s impressive performance against the hosts.
England, meanwhile, will be hoping for an improved performance with both bat and ball as they conclude their participation in the three-nation tournament.
The final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will also take place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday.
