England end tri-series campaign with consolation win over Sri Lanka

England closed their Pakistan ODI Tri-Series campaign with a 55-run victory over Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 29, 2026. The sixth match of the series was a dead rubber for England, who had already been eliminated from the competition, but the win ended a run of three consecutive defeats heading into the fixture and gave the side a positive note on which to conclude the group stage.

Ben Duckett was the standout performer with the bat, striking 167 off 132 balls as England posted 386 for 5 in their allotted overs. Tom Banton provided strong support at the top of the order, contributing 74 runs and helping England build the platform for a monumental score that ultimately proved beyond Sri Lanka's reach. The visitors were bowled out for 331 in reply, handing England a 55-run victory.

Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, and Sam Curran contributed significantly with important cameos. While Asitha Fernando picked up two wickets, Eshan Malinga had a forgettable day, finishing with figures of 1/101 in 10 overs.

Duckett's innings carried additional significance given his record at this venue. The left-hander struck back-to-back centuries in the tri-series and finished with two hundreds in as many innings at the Gaddafi Stadium during the tournament. Earlier in the competition, England had posted 429 against Sri Lanka in a previous meeting on October 22, 2026, but were unable to defend that total. The consolation win at least ensured England did not depart the group stage without a victory to their name.

What did Pavan Rathnayake contribute for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka's most significant batting contribution came from Pavan Rathnayake, who struck 118 off 77 balls and gave the chase genuine momentum throughout the middle overs. His innings kept Sri Lanka in contention for much of their reply, and the target of 386 looked within reach while he remained at the crease. However, the partnership ended when Liam Dawson dismissed him attempting a sweep shot. Rathnayake's departure proved the turning point, as Sri Lanka's chase lost shape thereafter and they were eventually bowled out for 331, falling 55 runs short of England's total.

For England, it was Dawson who was the pick of the bowlers. The left-arm spinner finished with excellent figures of 4/49 in 10 overs.