Sri Lanka take on England in the sixth and final league match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. On paper this is a dead rubber, because the finalists are already decided, but there is plenty still riding on it for both sides. Sri Lanka have already booked their place in the final against Pakistan on Saturday, 31 October, at the same venue. For them, this match is a dress rehearsal: a chance to carry winning momentum into the title clash and to test combinations one last time. England, meanwhile, are winless in three matches and already eliminated. A consolation win would at least let Harry Brook’s side fly home with something to show for the tour, and give their younger players a result to build on.
Match Overview
This is Match 6 of the tri-series. Pakistan finished top of the table and Sri Lanka second, which is why Saturday’s final is Pakistan versus Sri Lanka. England lost all three of their league games, including two famously close defeats that slipped away late. Sri Lanka’s campaign turned around dramatically in Rawalpindi, where they chased down a mammoth 430 against England to win by two wickets with one ball to spare — one of the highest successful run chases in ODI history. They followed that by bowling Pakistan out for just 110 in Lahore on 27 October and winning by eight wickets, with Dilshan Madushanka taking five wickets. England’s bowlers have leaked runs at key moments, and their batting has collapsed at the worst possible times. Both teams will know exactly what is at stake here: pride for England, and final-match sharpness for Sri Lanka.
Date, Time and Venue
Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 6th ODI, Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026; Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026; Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan; Start time: 1:30 PM IST (1:00 PM PKT); Toss: 1:00 PM IST (12:30 PM PKT); Captains: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka), Harry Brook (England).
Probable Playing XIs and Squads
Sri Lanka may rest one or two players with the final in mind, but their core is settled. Kusal Mendis leads the side and keeps wicket, Kamindu Mendis was the hero of the previous meeting between these teams, and Dilshan Madushanka is the in-form bowler of the tri-series after his five-wicket haul against Pakistan. England are expected to stick largely with their first-choice group, built around Joe Root’s experience, Harry Brook’s captaincy and the pace of Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue.
Sri Lanka probable XI: Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (captain, wicket-keeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, plus one of Eshan Malinga or Asitha Fernando.
England probable XI: Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jordan Cox (wicket-keeper), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Gus Atkinson, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Adil Rashid.
Key players to watch: Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis for Sri Lanka’s batting, Dilshan Madushanka with the new ball, and Joe Root and Harry Brook for England, who need a big partnership to end their losing run.
Head-to-Head Record
Played 86 | England won 42 | Sri Lanka won 40 | No result 3 | Tied 1. England hold a narrow overall edge, but recent form points the other way. Sri Lanka won the last meeting between the sides in this very tri-series, chasing 430 in Rawalpindi, and they have won back-to-back matches to reach the final.
Also read: Sri Lanka’s eight-wicket win over Pakistan
Also read: Sri Lanka’s record chase against England
Pitch and Weather Report
Gaddafi Stadium has produced two very different games in this tri-series. The first Lahore match was a low-scoring thriller in which Pakistan chased 242 from 154 for 9, and the second saw Pakistan bowled out for 110. The average first-innings score at the venue is around 251, so this is not a guaranteed run-fest. Early movement may help the seamers with the new ball, spinners should come into play in the middle overs, and dew later in the evening could make chasing slightly easier. Conditions in Lahore in late October are generally dry and clear, with no rain expected to interrupt play. The captain winning the toss may well choose to bowl first and judge the chase under lights.
Where to Watch and Live Streaming
The match will not be telecast live on television in India. Fans in India can watch the live streaming of the Sri Lanka vs England 6th ODI on the Veto app. Viewers elsewhere should check their local official broadcaster listings for the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026.
Also read: Pakistan’s thrilling one-wicket win over England
FAQs
When is Sri Lanka vs England 6th ODI? — Thursday, 29 October 2026, starting at 1:30 PM IST (1:00 PM PKT) at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Is this a dead rubber? — Yes, in terms of the final: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have already qualified for the 31 October final, and England are eliminated. But Sri Lanka want momentum for the final and England want a first win.
Who are the captains? — Kusal Mendis captains Sri Lanka and Harry Brook captains England.
What is the head-to-head record? — In 86 ODIs, England have won 42, Sri Lanka 40, with three no-results and one tie.
Where can I watch it in India? — There is no live TV telecast in India; live streaming is available on the Veto app.
Final Summary and Conclusion
Expect a competitive game despite the dead-rubber tag. Sri Lanka arrive with form, confidence and the tri-series’ in-form bowler in Dilshan Madushanka, while England arrive desperate and dangerous — a side with nothing to lose can be unpredictable. If Sri Lanka’s top order fires again, they should make it three wins in a row and head into Saturday’s final full of belief. If England’s senior batters finally put together a complete performance, they can spoil that party. Sri Lanka start as favourites, but England will not want to leave Pakistan without a win.
Pingback: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe, 2nd T20I: Date, Time, Venue, Squads & Where to Watch
Pingback: Sri Lanka vs England, 6th ODI: Duckett's 167 Powers England to 55-Run Consolation Win