Sri Lanka Target Winning Finish Against Eliminated England in Lahore Tri-Series

LAHORE: Sri Lanka will look to continue their winning run when they face an already eliminated England in the final league match of the One-day International tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Sri Lanka have won two of their three matches, including a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan on Tuesday. That result secured their place in Saturday’s final against the hosts.

England, meanwhile, have lost all three of their matches and can no longer qualify for the title decider. They will aim to finish their campaign with a win and regain confidence ahead of their next assignments.

Sri Lanka’s Bowlers Respond After England Run-Fest

Sri Lanka bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk said the team had responded positively after conceding 430 runs against England in their previous meeting.

He explained that the bowling unit had reviewed its performance and adopted a more aggressive approach, with greater emphasis on taking wickets and executing plans consistently.

“We had to bounce back. It wasn’t too long ago that the same bowling unit went for 430,” van Niekerk said at Tuesday’s post-match press conference.

He added that a more positive mindset had helped the bowlers put Pakistan under pressure.

“When you are taking wickets a little bit more regularly, then it does help with the momentum of the game,” he said, praising the entire bowling group for capitalising on that momentum.

Madushanka Leads Sri Lanka’s Bowling Revival

Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka led Sri Lanka’s performance against Pakistan with a career-best five wickets for 34 runs. His spell helped dismiss the hosts for just 110 in 25.3 overs.

Sri Lanka then completed the chase in 18.1 overs, with Kamindu Mendis remaining unbeaten on 62.

Van Niekerk praised Madushanka’s ability to combine swing, pace and an effective bouncer.

“Dilshan’s a highly talented young bowler. He has all the skill sets. He swings the ball. He’s got a great bouncer,” the coach said.

He added that the bouncer made Madushanka’s fuller deliveries more threatening. The bowler’s aggression, accuracy and discipline had also helped him develop, while Eshan Malinga and Asitha Fernando had provided valuable support.

The coach said the fast-bowling group had shown encouraging progress as the team prepared for the final.

Lahore Conditions Offer a Different Challenge

Thursday’s match will give Sri Lanka another opportunity to assess their bowling combinations and the conditions at Gaddafi Stadium before Saturday’s decider.

Van Niekerk said the Lahore pitch had played reasonably well but offered more grip and a different bounce from the Rawalpindi surface, where England and Sri Lanka produced a record-breaking contest.

Sri Lanka chased England’s 429-4 by scoring 430-8 in 49.5 overs to secure a two-wicket victory. Harry Brook’s 202 had put England in a commanding position, but Sri Lanka’s batting response carried them to a remarkable win.

Van Niekerk said Sri Lanka had not decided in advance to bowl first against Pakistan. He noted that results at Gaddafi Stadium had varied for teams batting first and those chasing.

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England Seek a Consolation Victory

England’s campaign has included another narrow defeat. On Sunday, they reduced Pakistan to 154-9 while defending a target of 243, but Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf produced an unbeaten 89-run partnership to guide the hosts to a one-wicket victory.

With qualification out of reach, England will try to end the league stage on a positive note. Sri Lanka, however, will be focused on carrying their improved bowling discipline into Saturday’s final.

Van Niekerk also encouraged spectators to support the tournament, saying the teams had produced entertaining cricket on good batting surfaces.

“The cricket that’s been played and what’s been on offer across all the matches has been unbelievable,” he said. “Good cricket wickets, three good teams. I hope they come and support in the next couple of days.”