England's tri-series final hopes shattered as Sri Lanka thrash Pakistan

England’s hopes of reaching the one-day international tri-series final in Pakistan have been extinguished after Sri Lanka routed the hosts by eight wickets on Tuesday. According to the Guardian ^[1], fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka claimed a career-best five for 34, skittling Pakistan for 110 and sealing Sri Lanka’s place in Saturday’s final.

The BBC reported ^[2] that Harry Brook’s side needed Pakistan to win to maintain any chance of advancing, but the hosts collapsed in Lahore. Despite building momentum earlier in 2026 with wins over Sri Lanka and India, England’s campaign in Pakistan faltered, leaving them with three defeats from three games in this tournament.

Pakistan, who had already qualified for the final by beating England twice and Sri Lanka once, were bowled out in 25.3 overs at the Gaddafi Stadium. The Independent noted ^[3] that this total was Pakistan’s second-lowest ODI score on home soil. Babar Azam was the top scorer with 29, while Shadab Khan, who had hit an unbeaten 113 against England just days prior, fell for five.

Sri Lanka chased down the target in just 18.1 overs, thanks to an unbeaten 62 from Kamindu Mendis. The left-handed opener struck eight fours and two sixes, securing victory with more than 31 overs to spare. Avishka Fernando contributed 16, while Pavan Rathnayake remained unbeaten on 23.

For England, the exit follows a dismal World Cup defence in 2023 and a Champions Trophy exit without a win last year. They now travel to Australia for a tour starting 13 November, beginning with a warm-up against a Western Australia XI. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will face England in a dead rubber on Thursday before meeting Pakistan again in the final.