Sri Lanka’s eight‑wicket win ends England’s tri‑series hopes

Sri Lanka’s dominant victory

In a match played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Sri Lanka dismissed Pakistan for 110 all out, winning by eight wickets. Fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka claimed a career‑best five for 34, while captain Kusal Mendis elected to field after winning the toss. Sri Lanka chased the modest target of 111 in just 18.1 overs, with Kamindu Mendis unbeaten 62 guiding the hosts to 114‑2. The win secured Sri Lanka’s place in the final of the ODI tri‑series, which will be contested against Pakistan on Saturday, 31 October.

England were eliminated from the tournament after losing all three of their matches. They had lost to Sri Lanka and India at home, and to Pakistan in Lahore, where they failed to chase 303 despite being 120‑1. With Pakistan already qualified after winning their first three games, England’s loss to Sri Lanka meant the final was a dead rubber for the hosts.

Background

The tri‑series involves England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and is part of the 2026 ODI calendar. England had entered the tournament with a poor World Cup defence in 2023 and a Champions Trophy exit in 2025. They had, however, won away in Sri Lanka and defeated India and Sri Lanka at home earlier in 2026. Pakistan had won all three of their matches before the final, while Sri Lanka had lost to England but won against India.

Brendon McCullum’s England side had needed Pakistan to win on Tuesday and then defeat Sri Lanka on Thursday to keep a chance of reaching the final. Instead, Sri Lanka’s bowlers dismantled Pakistan, and the match became a formality for the hosts.

Why it matters

The result has significant implications for the teams involved. Sri Lanka’s victory means they will face Pakistan in the final, a match that will decide the overall winner of the tri‑series. England’s elimination ends their campaign in Pakistan and removes them from contention for the final. The outcome also affects the teams’ rankings and momentum heading into the upcoming series in Australia, where England will play three ODIs and five T20s starting on 13 November.

Pakistan’s collapse to 110 all out was their second‑lowest ODI total at home, and the loss was a setback after a strong start to the tournament. Sri Lanka’s performance, highlighted by Madushanka’s five‑for, demonstrates their capability to dominate in limited‑overs cricket.

What happens next

The final will be played on Saturday, 31 October, with Sri Lanka and Pakistan competing for the tri‑series title. England will depart for Australia to begin a tour of three ODIs and five T20s on 13 November. No further matches are scheduled for England in Pakistan after the tournament concludes.