England Defeat Sri Lanka by 55 Runs to Secure First Win in Tri-Nation ODI Series

In the final league match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. England made full use of the batting conditions, posting 386 runs in their allotted 50 overs and setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 387.

Ben Duckett Leads England's Batting Charge

England's openers, Ben Duckett and Tom Banton, provided an impressive start, building a 163-run partnership for the first wicket. Banton was dismissed after scoring 74 runs.

English captain Harry Brook, who had scored a double century against Sri Lanka in the previous match, batted at number three for the first time in his ODI career. He joined Duckett in a 107-run partnership for the second wicket, taking England's total to 270. However, Brook failed to convert his start into a big innings and was dismissed for 44.

England lost their third wicket at 301 runs when Duckett departed after producing a career-best innings of 167. He struck 24 fours but did not hit a single six.

Will Jacks contributed 30 runs off 21 balls, while Jordan Cox scored 43 off 27 deliveries. Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 21.

For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando claimed two wickets, while Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga and Dasun Shanaka took one wicket each.

England finished their innings at 386 for five, scoring at a run rate of 7.72. The total set a record for the highest ODI score at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, surpassing Pakistan's previous record of 375 runs against Zimbabwe in 2025.

Pavan Rathnayake's Century in Vain as Sri Lanka Fall Short

Chasing 387, Sri Lanka got off to a poor start, losing their first wicket with just 13 runs on the board. Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis then attempted to stabilise the innings, taking the total to 97 before Avishka was dismissed for 48.

Sri Lanka's third wicket fell at 177 when Kusal Mendis departed for 89. At the other end, Pavan Rathnayake continued to bat confidently and completed his half-century.

Sri Lanka suffered another setback at 186 when Dasun Shanaka was dismissed for just four runs. Janith Liyanage followed at a total of 258, scoring 27 off 17 balls.

The sixth wicket fell at 315 when Sahan Arachchige was dismissed for 30 off 24 deliveries. After his departure, the remaining batters failed to make a significant contribution, and Sri Lanka lost their final four wickets for just 31 additional runs. Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga and Asitha Fernando each scored only one run.

Rathnayake was Sri Lanka's standout batter, scoring an impressive 118 off 77 balls, including 15 fours and one six. However, his century was not enough to take his team over the line.

England's Liam Dawson led the bowling attack with four wickets, while Sonny Baker claimed two. Sam Curran, Henry Crocombe and Joe Root took one wicket apiece.

Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs, handing England a 55-run victory and their first win of the series.

Toss and Team Line-ups

Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and chose to field first in the sixth match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match was the final league fixture before the tournament's final.

Sri Lanka made no changes to their playing XI, while England brought in Sonny Baker in place of Jamie Overton.

Sri Lanka's playing XI comprised Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper), Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

England's playing XI included Harry Brook (captain), Jordan Cox (wicketkeeper), Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Joe Root, Liam Dawson, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker and Henry Crocombe.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka Set for the Final

Although England secured their first victory of the series, the result did not affect qualification for the final, as the two finalists had already been confirmed. Pakistan qualified with three wins, while Sri Lanka secured their place with two victories. England had not won a match before this fixture.

Earlier in the same series, Sri Lanka successfully chased down a target of 430 runs against England, registering the second-highest successful run chase in ODI cricket history.

The final of the tri-nation ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to be played on Saturday, October 31, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with both teams competing for the trophy.