Home Cricket National Cricket England claim consolation win despite Pavan Rathnayake’s century

England claim consolation win despite Pavan Rathnayake’s century

Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2026

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England registered a consolation win in the ODI Tri-Series 2026 in Pakistan, defeating Sri Lanka by 55 runs in the sixth match of the tournament, played today (29 October) in Lahore. 

Having won the toss, Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis opted to bowl first once again, naming an unchanged playing XI. England made the most of the batting conditions to post a formidable total of 386/5 in their allotted 50 overs, led by a magnificent century from Ben Duckett. 

The left-hander produced his highest ODI score, smashing 167 off 132 deliveries, including 24 fours. Duckett laid the foundation for England’s imposing total with a 163-run opening partnership alongside Tom Banton, who contributed a fluent 74.  

Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Jordan Cox and Sam Curran chipped in with useful cameos as England maintained their scoring momentum, although they fell short of the 400-run mark. 

Asitha Fernando delivered an impressive spell at the death with his accurate yorkers, while Dasun Shanaka provided a valuable contribution with the ball, breaking England’s opening stand during a seven-over spell. 

In reply, Sri Lanka began their chase positively, with Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake leading the charge. Having pulled off a remarkable chase against England earlier in the tournament, Sri Lanka appeared capable of mounting another memorable comeback. 

Avishka provided a steady start with 48 off 50 deliveries, while skipper Mendis played an attacking knock of 89 off 71 balls. However, Mendis fell to Joe Root, caught down the leg side, as England continued to make crucial breakthroughs to disrupt Sri Lanka’s momentum. 

Rathnayake once again showcased his outstanding form, producing a brilliant fighting century to keep Sri Lanka in contention. The right-hander struck 118 off just 77 deliveries, striking boundaries at regular intervals and keeping the required run rate within reach. 

However, Liam Dawson proved to be the decisive factor with the ball, dismissing Rathnayake in the 45th over before England quickly wrapped up the Sri Lankan innings. Dawson finished with impressive figures of 4/49, emerging as England’s standout performer with the ball as Sri Lanka were bowled out 55 runs short of the target. 

Despite the defeat, Sri Lanka will head into the final with confidence after a strong campaign in the tournament. They will face Pakistan in the ODI Tri-Series 2026 final on 31 October. 

Result
Sri Lanka
331/10 (45.1)
England
386/5 (50)
Batsmen R B 4s 6s SR
Tom Banton  b Dasun Shanaka 74 75 8 2 98.67
Ben Duckett c Asitha Fernando b Eshan Malinga 167 132 24 0 126.52
Harry Brook c Asitha Fernando b Asitha Fernando 44 34 3 2 129.41
Will Jacks b Asitha Fernando 30 21 4 0 142.86
Jordan Cox c Sahan Arachchige b Dilshan Madusanka 43 27 3 1 159.26
Sam Curran not out 21 12 1 1 175.00
Extras 7 (b 1 , lb 0 , nb 1, w 5, pen 0)
Total 386/5 (50 Overs, RR: 7.72)
Bowling O M R W Econ
Asitha Fernando 10 1 63 2 6.30
Dilshan Madusanka 9 0 64 1 7.11
Eshan Malinga 10 0 101 1 10.10
Dunith Wellalage 10 0 75 0 7.50
Sahan Arachchige 2 0 18 0 9.00
Janith Liyanage  2 0 15 0 7.50
Dasun Shanaka 7 0 49 1 7.00

Batsmen R B 4s 6s SR
Kamindu Mendis b Sonny Baker 4 11 1 0 36.36
Avishka Fernando c Will Jacks b Liam Dawson 48 50 8 1 96.00
Kusal Mendis c Jordan Cox b Joe Root 89 71 8 5 125.35
Pavan Rathnayake c Sonny Baker b Liam Dawson 118 77 15 1 153.25
Dasun Shanaka lbw b Liam Dawson 4 11 0 0 36.36
Janith Liyanage  c Harry Brook b Sonny Baker 27 17 1 3 158.82
Sahan Arachchige c Harry Brook b Henry Crocombe 30 24 4 0 125.00
Dunith Wellalage run out (Joe Root) 1 4 0 0 25.00
Eshan Malinga b 1 4 0 0 25.00
Asitha Fernando c Tom Banton  b Liam Dawson 1 3 0 0 33.33
Dilshan Madusanka not out 0 0 0 0 0.00
Extras 8 (b 0 , lb 2 , nb 1, w 5, pen 0)
Total 331/10 (45.1 Overs, RR: 7.33)
Bowling O M R W Econ
Gus Atkinson 9 1 63 0 7.00
Sonny Baker 9 0 75 2 8.33
Sam Curran 7.1 1 44 1 6.20
Liam Dawson 10 0 49 4 4.90
Henry Crocombe 3 0 27 1 9.00
Will Jacks 3 0 36 0 12.00
Joe Root 4 0 35 1 8.75