Sri Lanka Chased Down England’s 429 as England Missed the Final

England’s 429 for 4 against Sri Lanka looked like a winning total. It wasn’t: Sri Lanka chased it down with two wickets left, one of the defeats that knocked England out of the tri-series final race. The teams meet again in Lahore on Thursday, with England seeking a consolation win and Sri Lanka already through. ^2,8

That record-breaking chase began with Sri Lanka in trouble at 24 for 2. Pavan Rathnayake made 130 and Dasun Shanaka added 97, turning England’s huge score into a painful loss. England then had Pakistan at 154 for 9 while defending 242, but Shadab Khan’s not-out hundred carried the hosts home by one wicket. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, earned their place in the final by beating Pakistan by eight wickets, with Dilshan Madushanka taking 5 for 34. ^2,8

Those late collapses explain why England’s campaign is over, despite moments when they seemed in control. They have lost all three group matches, and their last win in Pakistan came in 2005. Today’s match cannot change who reaches the final, but a win would give Harry Brook’s side a better ending before a three-match series in Australia next month. Sri Lanka may also limit how much their players play with the final ahead. ^8,12

The final is scheduled for October 31, when Sri Lanka will face Pakistan. In Thursday’s last group game, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first at Gaddafi Stadium. England’s XI includes Brook, Joe Root and debutant Henry Crocombe. Indian viewers have no television broadcast, but the match is available to stream on the Veto app. ^1,5,9