England Eliminated From Tri-Series as Sri Lanka Crush Pakistan in Lahore

England’s tri-series dream is over. Pakistan needed a win over Sri Lanka in Lahore to keep Harry Brook’s side alive, but they folded for just 110. Sri Lanka chased it down in 18.1 overs, sealing England’s exit and setting up a dead rubber on Thursday.

Pakistan Collapse in Lahore

England arrived at the Lahore clash with no control over their own fate. After three defeats from three matches, they could only watch and hope Pakistan would beat Sri Lanka.

It never happened. Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in 25.2 overs, a total that left their bowlers with almost nothing to defend. The hosts could not stop the steady loss of wickets, and no batter could build a partnership to rescue the innings.

Madushanka Leads the Charge

Left-armer Dilshan Madushanka was the star of the show. He took 5-34 and landed blow after blow on the Pakistan top and middle order.

Babar Azam top-scored with just 29, which shows how badly the innings unravelled. It was also a timely reminder of Madushanka’s threat before Saturday’s final.

Mendis Seals the Chase in Style

Chasing 111 for victory, Sri Lanka were never in danger. Opener Kamindu Mendis smashed 62 not out from 60 balls and finished the job with eight wickets in hand.

The win came with 31.5 overs to spare. It was a ruthless, rapid finish that sent Sri Lanka into the weekend with momentum.

Match Summary

Result: Sri Lanka won by eight wickets.

A Painful Tournament for England

The exit stings because England had been building some momentum in one-day cricket this year. After a dismal 2023 World Cup defence and a winless Champions Trophy campaign last year, they had won away in Sri Lanka. They had also beaten India and Sri Lanka at home in 2026.

Pakistan was a different story. England failed to chase 303 despite being well placed at 120-1. That was followed by two extraordinary defeats.

Two Wild Finishes

In one game, England could not defend 430 as Sri Lanka pulled off the second-highest chase in ODI history. Three days later, a last-wicket stand of 89 secured an incredible win for Pakistan.

Those margins show how close England were to a very different tournament. Conditions at next year’s World Cup in southern Africa will be significantly different, but the exit is still a blow.

What Comes Next for England

England’s tournament concludes on Thursday, although the match will have no bearing on the final. Sri Lanka, with Madushanka and Mendis in form, now head into Saturday’s final with confidence.

England then travel to Australia for a tour of three ODIs and five T20s, starting on 13 November. They are also scheduled to play a warm-up against a Western Australia XI in Perth on Saturday, 7 November.

The Big Question

The Australia tour offers a quick chance to reset. England will want answers on closing out chases and defending big totals before the World Cup. For now, the focus turns to damage control and finding a way to finish games.