England has been officially eliminated from the 50-over tri-series in Pakistan after Sri Lanka recorded a commanding eight-wicket victory over the tournament hosts in Lahore on Tuesday.
Following three consecutive defeats, Harry Brook’s side required Pakistan to defeat Sri Lanka to keep their hopes alive for a spot in Saturday's final. Instead, according to match details verified by BBC Sport, Pakistan suffered a complete batting collapse, falling for just 110 runs in 25.2 overs. Sri Lanka quickly chased down the sub-par total, reaching 114 for 2 in 18.1 overs to secure their berth in the final opposite Pakistan.
Sri Lanka Dominates in Lahore
The contest at Lahore turned into a one-sided affair behind an exceptional bowling spell from Sri Lankan left-armer Dilshan Madushanka. Madushanka dismantled Pakistan's lineup, taking 5 for 34 across his spell and keeping the host nation under relentless pressure. Babar Azam provided the sole notable resistance for Pakistan, top-scoring with 29 runs before the side folded in the 26th over.
In reply, Sri Lankan opener Kamindu Mendis anchored the pursuit, striking an unbeaten 62 off 60 deliveries. Sri Lanka completed the chase with 191 balls to spare, effectively turning England's scheduled fixture against Sri Lanka on Thursday into a dead rubber.
| Match Aspect | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 110 all out (25.2 overs) | 114/2 (18.1 overs) |
| Top Batter | Babar Azam (29 runs) | Kamindu Mendis (62* off 60 balls) |
| Key Bowler | None notable | Dilshan Madushanka (5-34) |
| Result | Lost by 8 wickets | Won by 8 wickets (191 balls remaining) |
| Tournament Consequence | Qualified for Final | Qualified for Final (Eliminated England) |
Series After Sri — verified documentary press visual.
A Setback for England's White-Ball Campaign
The outcome concludes a turbulent tri-series for England, who entered the competition seeking to consolidate progress made earlier in 2026. Prior to arriving in Pakistan, England had shown positive signs with home series victories against India and Sri Lanka, alongside an away win in Sri Lanka. Those results had partially cushioned the fallout from a poor 2023 World Cup title defense and a winless Champions Trophy run.
However, Brook's squad faltered across all three completed matches in Pakistan. They failed to chase down 303 after sitting comfortably at 120 for 1, were unable to defend a massive total of 430 when Sri Lanka staged the second-highest chase in ODI history, and conceded an 89-run final-wicket stand to lose against Pakistan.
What Comes Next for England
England will conclude their tri-series campaign against Sri Lanka on Thursday before shifting their attention toward an overseas tour of Australia.
Per confirmed tour schedules reported by BBC Sport, England travels directly to Perth for a warm-up fixture against a Western Australia XI on Saturday, November 7. That warm-up precedes a bilateral series consisting of three ODIs and five T20 matches beginning on November 13, offering England an immediate opportunity to address bowling and middle-order vulnerabilities.
