England’s tri-series final hopes end after Sri Lanka beat Pakistan

Summary

England’s hopes of reaching the ODI tri-series final have ended after Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets, according to BBC Sport. England had already lost two matches, to Sri Lanka and to Pakistan, which left their place in the final in serious doubt. The Guardian reported that spinner Liam Dawson said the changing room was gutted and desperate to win, and that he believed the defeats could still help England at the World Cup in southern Africa in 12 months’ time. Before the result, England had needed Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka and then beat Pakistan themselves to reach the final.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   26 Oct 2026, 13:15 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Liam Dawson said England are gutted after two agonising defeats to Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which left their tri-series final place in serious doubt, and that he believes the losses can help them at the World Cup in 12 months’ time.

2. BBC

   27 Oct 2026, 13:01 UTCSource ↗

   BBC Sport reports that Sri Lanka thrashed Pakistan by eight wickets, ending England’s hopes of reaching Saturday’s tri-series final.