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Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field against England in the sixth match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.
It was Sri Lanka’s fourth toss victory of the series. Although neither side had a place in Saturday’s final at stake, the match offered England an opportunity to end their losing streak and regain confidence.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, entered the contest after winning their last two matches and securing a place in the final against Pakistan.
Sri Lanka recovered from a 37-run defeat against Pakistan in their opening match to win two consecutive games.
Their most remarkable performance came in Rawalpindi on October 22, when they chased down England’s 430-run total to win by two wickets with one ball remaining. The successful chase ranked as the second-highest in men’s ODI history.
England captain Harry Brook scored a record-breaking 202, but Sri Lanka completed an extraordinary chase to take the victory.
Sri Lanka followed that performance with another dominant display against Pakistan on Tuesday. They bowled Pakistan out for 110 before reaching the target in the 19th over to secure an eight-wicket win.
Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka led the attack with figures of 5-34, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup.
England’s campaign has been difficult. They began with an 87-run defeat against Pakistan in Rawalpindi before losing to the hosts by one wicket in Lahore on Sunday.
Pakistan appeared under pressure in that match, but Shadab Khan produced a crucial maiden ODI century. He also shared an unbroken 89-run partnership for the final wicket to guide Pakistan home with 15 balls remaining.
England’s final league match offered Brook’s side a chance to finish the tournament with a win before leaving Pakistan.
The team has also struggled to defend strong totals. Those setbacks have raised questions about its execution under pressure as England prepare for future international assignments, including next year’s World Cup.
England have beaten Sri Lanka in their two most recent bilateral series, winning both by 2-1 margins, with one series played at home and the other away.
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Conditions at Gaddafi Stadium could play an important role, particularly because dew often makes batting easier in the second innings.
Sri Lanka bowling coach Van Niekerk said the Lahore surface had played reasonably well but appeared slightly slower and offered more tennis-ball bounce than the Rawalpindi pitch.
He explained that dew in Rawalpindi had caused the ball to skid on, creating different playing conditions.
With Sri Lanka preparing for their final league match, Van Niekerk said the team would focus on taking wickets and maintaining consistent execution.
Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
England: Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jordan Cox (wicketkeeper), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Gus Atkinson, Henry Crocombe, Sonny Baker.
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