LAHORE: Already through to the final, Sri Lanka will look to maintain their winning momentum when they take on an eliminated England in the final league match of the One-Day International tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Sri Lanka have won two of their three matches, including a dominant eight-wicket victory over Pakistan on Tuesday, to secure a place in Saturday’s final against the hosts. England, meanwhile, have lost all three of their matches and will be playing for pride after being eliminated from contention.
Sri Lanka’s bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk said his side had made significant improvements following their previous encounter with England, in which the opposition scored 429 runs for four wickets. He attributed the turnaround to a more aggressive mindset, improved execution and a greater emphasis on taking wickets.
“We had to bounce back,” van Niekerk said after Tuesday’s match, highlighting the bowling unit’s renewed focus and consistency.
Sri Lanka’s recovery was spearheaded by left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, who claimed career-best figures of five for 34 as Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in 25.3 overs. Sri Lanka then chased down the target in just 18.1 overs, with Kamindu Mendis remaining unbeaten on 62.
Van Niekerk praised Madushanka’s development, particularly his ability to combine swing bowling with an effective bouncer. He said the young pacer’s aggression, accuracy and discipline had made him a more dangerous wicket-taking option.
The coach also commended fellow fast bowlers Eshan Malinga and Asitha Fernando for complementing Madushanka and contributing to the team’s improved bowling performance.
Thursday’s match will provide Sri Lanka with another opportunity to assess their bowling combinations and adapt to Lahore’s conditions ahead of the final. Van Niekerk observed that the Gaddafi Stadium surface offered more grip and a different bounce compared with the Rawalpindi pitch, where England and Sri Lanka produced a remarkable high-scoring contest.
In that match, Sri Lanka chased England’s imposing total of 429 for four, scoring 430 for eight in 49.5 overs to secure a thrilling two-wicket victory. England captain Harry Brook’s 202 had appeared to put his side in control, but Sri Lanka’s exceptional batting effort completed one of the series’ most memorable run chases.
England’s campaign subsequently suffered another setback when Pakistan recovered from 154 for nine while chasing 242, with Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf producing an unbeaten 89-run partnership to secure a one-wicket victory for the hosts.
With their hopes of reaching the final over, England will aim to finish the tournament on a positive note. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will seek to maintain their improved bowling discipline and carry their momentum into Saturday’s title decider.
Van Niekerk also encouraged spectators to continue supporting the tournament, describing the cricket played across the series as highly competitive and entertaining.
“The cricket that’s been played and what’s been on offer across all the matches has been unbelievable,” he said, expressing hope that fans would turn out for the remaining fixtures.
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