Thursday Nov 12, 2026
Thursday Nov 12, 2026
Thursday, 22 October 2026 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka and England clash in a must win game of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today with both teams having lost their opening fixtures to the host country Pakistan.
England arrive after an 87-run defeat on Tuesday, while Sri Lanka lost their opener by 37 runs on Sunday. The winner takes a first step towards the 31 October final in Lahore. Only the top two reach the final.
Pakistan’s two wins have raised the stakes, so the loser starts the second half of the group stage on the back foot. England have the deeper batting and the better record against Sri Lanka this year, but Tuesday showed how quickly their middle order can fold against spin.
England were poor across the board against Pakistan. Chasing 303 to win after dropping catches during the Pakistan innings, England slumped to 215 all out, with only Tom Banton making a half-century. While the first-wicket partnership put on 91 runs, the rest combined for only 124 as Harry Brook’s side were bowled out for just 215.
England will need to improve markedly against Sri Lanka, although they should be considered significantly weaker opposition than Pakistan. These two nations clashed in 50-over cricket only last month, with England winning 2-1 in a three-game home series. While this match takes place in the subcontinent, there is little reason to suggest that England won’t once again prove too strong for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka have been in poor form lately in all forms of white-ball cricket, and having now got to grips with their environment, you would expect England to improve and win this game.
Sri Lanka have Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage in form. They also have a century stand to build on and spinners ready to return. A good first ten overs from England’s pace attack could decide which way the game will go.
