Lahore:Sri Lanka batter Pavan Rathnayake continued his impressive run in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 with a brilliant century against England at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, October 29. However, his outstanding innings could not prevent Sri Lanka from suffering a 55-run defeat in the sixth match of the tournament.
Chasing a challenging target of 387, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs. Rathnayake led the response with 118 off just 77 deliveries, striking 15 fours and a six at a strike rate of 153.25.
Rathnayake arrived at the crease with Sri Lanka looking to build momentum in the chase. He combined with Kusal Mendis to strengthen the innings, adding 80 runs for the third wicket. Mendis played an important supporting role, scoring 89 off 71 balls, including eight fours and five sixes.
Earlier, Avishka Fernando contributed 48 off 50 deliveries, giving Sri Lanka a steady start. Rathnayake continued to attack the England bowlers and kept the chase alive, but his dismissal in the 45th over changed the course of the innings. Liam Dawson removed the centurion and finished with figures of 4/49. Sonny Baker also made an important contribution with two wickets for 75 runs.
Sri Lanka lost their final five wickets for 21 runs, falling short of the target despite Rathnayake's effort.
England Post 386/5
Earlier, England produced a commanding batting performance after Sri Lanka elected to field. Ben Duckett led the innings with a career-best 167 off 132 balls, hitting 24 fours. Tom Banton supported him with 74 off 75 deliveries as the pair added 163 runs for the opening wicket.
Captain Harry Brook scored 44, while Jordan Cox added 43 to help England finish with 386/5 in 50 overs. The total was the highest ODI score recorded at Gaddafi Stadium.
The victory gave England a consolation win in their final match of the tri-series, although they had already been eliminated from the race for the final. Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the tournament final on October 31.
Rathnayake's second century of the competition was another significant performance, taking his tournament tally to 350 runs and reinforcing his position among the leading batters of the series.
Score summary: England 386/5 (50 overs) beat Sri Lanka 331 (45.1 overs) by 55 runs. Player of the Match: Ben Duckett (167).
