Sri Lanka defeated England by two wickets in the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 on October 22 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. England scored a massive 429/4 in 50 overs, powered by Harry Brook’s spectacular 202-run innings. However, Sri Lanka produced an incredible chase, reaching 430/8 in 49.5 overs to complete one of the most thrilling finishes of the tournament.
ENG vs SL 3rd ODI Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | England vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI |
| Tournament | Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 |
| Date | October 22, 2026 |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| Match Format | One Day International (ODI) |
| England Score | 429/4 in 50 overs |
| Sri Lanka Score | 430/8 in 49.5 overs |
| Match Result | Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Pavan Rathnayake |
| Toss | Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl |
Source: Match scorecard.
ENG vs SL 3rd ODI Scorecard
England Innings: 429/4 in 50 Overs
England delivered a powerful batting performance after Sri Lanka elected to bowl first. Harry Brook led the attack with a magnificent double century, while Joe Root, Tom Banton, and Will Jacks also made important contributions.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Banton | 50 | 51 | 9 | 0 |
| Ben Duckett | 29 | 39 | 2 | 0 |
| Joe Root | 69 | 66 | 8 | 0 |
| Harry Brook | 202 | 116 | 21 | 10 |
| Will Jacks | 66* | 30 | 8 | 3 |
| Extras | 13 | — | — | — |
| Total | 429/4 | 50 overs | — | — |
England finished with an impressive run rate of 8.58 runs per over. Harry Brook’s double century and Will Jacks’ explosive unbeaten innings helped England establish a formidable target.
Sri Lanka Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asitha Fernando | 10 | 68 | 1 |
| Dilshan Madushanka | 10 | 89 | 0 |
| Eshan Malinga | 10 | 91 | 0 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 10 | 56 | 2 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 6 | 74 | 0 |
| Kamindu Mendis | 2 | 17 | 0 |
| Janith Liyanage | 2 | 32 | 1 |
Dunith Wellalage was Sri Lanka’s most economical bowler among those who completed their full 10 overs, taking two wickets for 56 runs. However, England’s aggressive batting made it difficult for the hosts to control the scoring rate.
Harry Brook Smashes a Historic Double Century
Harry Brook produced the standout individual performance of the match, scoring 202 runs from 116 balls. His innings included 21 fours and 10 sixes, demonstrating his ability to combine powerful hitting with consistent scoring.
Brook anchored England’s innings after the early dismissals of Tom Banton and Ben Duckett. He then built a substantial partnership with Joe Root before accelerating dramatically during the final overs.
His double century was particularly significant because it became the first ODI double century by an England men’s batter. Despite this historic achievement, Brook could not prevent England from losing the match.
Joe Root contributed 69 runs from 66 balls, providing stability in the middle order. Will Jacks added further momentum with an unbeaten 66 from just 30 deliveries, striking eight fours and three sixes.
Together, England’s batters pushed the total to 429/4, leaving Sri Lanka with a daunting target of 430 runs.
Sri Lanka’s Incredible Run Chase
Chasing 430 runs in a 50-over match required exceptional batting, smart partnerships, and sustained aggression. Sri Lanka delivered all three to complete a memorable victory.
Avishka Fernando Provides a Strong Start
Avishka Fernando gave Sri Lanka an aggressive start, scoring 97 runs from 83 balls. His innings featured 11 fours and two sixes.
Although he narrowly missed his century, Fernando helped Sri Lanka maintain the scoring rate needed to challenge England’s huge total.
Kamindu Mendis also contributed 18 runs from 16 balls before Josh Tongue dismissed him. Captain Kusal Mendis fell for a duck, leaving Sri Lanka under early pressure.
Fernando’s innings kept the chase alive and gave the middle order a platform to build on.
Pavan Rathnayake Changes the Game
Pavan Rathnayake delivered a match-defining performance with 130 runs from 106 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes.
His partnership with Avishka Fernando helped Sri Lanka recover from early setbacks and establish control over the chase. After Fernando’s dismissal at 190/3, Rathnayake continued attacking and kept Sri Lanka close to the required run rate.
Rathnayake’s innings was crucial because England’s total left very little room for a prolonged slowdown. His ability to find boundaries while maintaining his wicket gave Sri Lanka a realistic chance of victory.
He was eventually dismissed for 130, but his contribution laid the foundation for the dramatic finish.
Rathnayake was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution to Sri Lanka’s successful chase.
Dasun Shanaka Delivers a Powerful Finish
Dasun Shanaka took the attack to England with a spectacular 97 from only 50 balls. He hit six fours and eight sixes, putting England’s bowlers under enormous pressure.
Shanaka formed a crucial partnership with Rathnayake before continuing to attack after the latter’s dismissal. His innings brought Sri Lanka within reach of the target and transformed the match into a tense contest.
He fell just three runs short of a century, but his explosive contribution brought Sri Lanka closer to an extraordinary victory.
Janith Liyanage Guides Sri Lanka Home
Janith Liyanage played a decisive role in the closing stages, finishing unbeaten on 61 from 27 balls. His innings included seven fours and three sixes.
With wickets falling around him, Liyanage maintained his attacking approach and helped Sri Lanka cross the finish line.
Sri Lanka reached 430/8 in 49.5 overs, completing the chase with one ball remaining. The two-wicket victory capped a remarkable match in which both teams scored more than 425 runs.
England Bowling Performance
England’s bowlers struggled to defend their enormous total as Sri Lanka maintained an aggressive approach throughout the chase.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gus Atkinson | 7 | 57 | 0 |
| Josh Tongue | 8.5 | 79 | 3 |
| Jamie Overton | 10 | 77 | 1 |
| Liam Dawson | 10 | 71 | 1 |
| Sam Curran | 9 | 103 | 2 |
| Will Jacks | 5 | 41 | 0 |
Josh Tongue was England’s leading wicket-taker, claiming three wickets. Sam Curran picked up two, but Sri Lanka’s batters continued to find boundaries and kept the required run rate within reach.
Curran conceded 103 runs in nine overs, while Sri Lanka’s sustained aggression prevented England from gaining lasting control during the closing stages.
Key Highlights of ENG vs SL 3rd ODI
Here are the major highlights from this extraordinary encounter:
- Sri Lanka won by two wickets: The hosts chased 430 runs in 49.5 overs.
- Harry Brook scored 202: The England captain recorded a historic ODI double century.
- England posted 429/4: England produced a huge total with contributions from Brook, Root, Banton, and Jacks.
- Pavan Rathnayake scored 130: His century was central to Sri Lanka’s successful chase.
- Avishka Fernando made 97: He provided a strong platform at the top of the order.
- Dasun Shanaka scored 97: His aggressive innings put Sri Lanka in a strong position.
- Janith Liyanage remained unbeaten on 61: He helped Sri Lanka complete the chase.
- Pavan Rathnayake won Player of the Match: His match-winning century earned him the award.
The match demonstrated the extraordinary scoring potential of modern ODI cricket, with both teams combining for 859 runs.
ENG vs SL 3rd ODI: Fall of Wickets
England
| Wicket | Score | Batter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 74 | Tom Banton |
| 2 | 85 | Ben Duckett |
| 3 | 244 | Joe Root |
| 4 | 429 | Harry Brook |
Sri Lanka
| Wicket | Score | Batter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 | Kamindu Mendis |
| 2 | 24 | Kusal Mendis |
| 3 | 190 | Avishka Fernando |
| 4 | 323 | Pavan Rathnayake |
| 5 | 363 | Dasun Shanaka |
| 6 | 406 | Sahan Arachchige |
| 7 | 423 | Dunith Wellalage |
| 8 | 423 | Eshan Malinga |
Sri Lanka’s chase featured several important partnerships. The stand between Fernando and Rathnayake helped stabilize the innings, while Shanaka and Liyanage maintained the attacking momentum needed to reach the target.
What the Result Means for the ODI Tri-Series
The 2026 Pakistan ODI Tri-Series features England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Each team faces the other two sides twice before the top two teams qualify for the final on October 31 in Lahore.
Sri Lanka’s victory over England was particularly important after its opening-match defeat against Pakistan. England, meanwhile, suffered its second consecutive loss after going down to Pakistan in the second match.
The tournament now moves to Lahore, where England will meet Pakistan again on October 25. Sri Lanka will face Pakistan on October 27 before playing England for a second time on October 29.
The final is scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the ENG vs SL 3rd ODI Tri-Series 2026?
Sri Lanka defeated England by two wickets on October 22, 2026, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka scored 430/8 in 49.5 overs while chasing England’s total of 429/4.
What was England’s score against Sri Lanka?
England scored 429 runs for four wickets in 50 overs. Harry Brook led the innings with 202 runs, while Joe Root scored 69 and Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 66.
What was Sri Lanka’s score in the third ODI?
Sri Lanka finished on 430/8 in 49.5 overs, successfully chasing the target of 430 runs.
Who scored a double century for England?
Harry Brook scored 202 runs from 116 balls, becoming the first England men’s batter to score a double century in an ODI.
Who was Player of the Match in ENG vs SL?
Pavan Rathnayake received the Player of the Match award after scoring 130 runs from 106 balls to help Sri Lanka complete the successful chase.
How many runs did Pavan Rathnayake score?
Pavan Rathnayake scored 130 runs off 106 deliveries, hitting 15 fours and three sixes.
Where was the ENG vs SL 3rd ODI played?
The match was played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on October 22, 2026.
When is the next England vs Sri Lanka match in the tri-series?
England and Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet again on October 29, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Conclusion
The ENG vs SL 3rd ODI Tri-Series 2026 produced an unforgettable contest between two aggressive batting lineups. Harry Brook’s historic 202-run innings helped England reach 429/4, but Sri Lanka responded with an outstanding team performance to chase down the target.
Pavan Rathnayake’s century, Avishka Fernando’s 97, Dasun Shanaka’s explosive innings, and Janith Liyanage’s unbeaten 61 proved decisive. Sri Lanka’s two-wicket victory with one ball remaining highlighted the excitement and unpredictability of ODI cricket.
With more matches scheduled in Lahore, the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series promises further opportunities for England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan to compete for a place in the final.
