England’s campaign in the one-day international (ODI) tri-series in Pakistan ended prematurely after Sri Lanka’s victory over the hosts secured England’s elimination with one match remaining. Despite a scheduled game against Sri Lanka in Lahore, England cannot advance to the final slated for Saturday.
The English side, led by Harry Brook, began the tournament with three consecutive losses, effectively ending their chances of qualification. Their opening defeat came against Pakistan, losing by 87 runs. In the subsequent match, Brook scored a record-breaking 202 runs in a total of 429 for four, but Sri Lanka successfully chased the target—the second-highest chase in ODI history. In their third outing, England appeared to be heading for a commanding win against Pakistan, who were nine wickets down at 154, still needing 88 runs. However, a record 10th-wicket partnership between Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf secured a remarkable victory for Pakistan.
The England squad has recently faced scrutiny over its composition and effectiveness, especially following these setbacks. The team has shown promise in earlier series, having beaten both India and Sri Lanka 2-1 in ODIs during the summer, and there was optimism about their prospects for the 2027 World Cup beginning next October. Nevertheless, the recent performances in Pakistan have cast doubt on the side’s readiness.
One significant issue relates to England’s reliance on Sam Curran as a key seam-bowling all-rounder in the absence of Ben Stokes. Curran has contributed with the bat, scoring 42 runs against Pakistan, but his bowling figures have been less impressive. He has taken only three wickets in the series at a costly average of 58.3 runs per wicket and an economy rate of eight runs per over. There have been ongoing concerns within England’s setup about Curran’s suitability for the ODI format, given his greater effectiveness in T20 cricket. The difference in fielding restrictions between formats appears to have hampered his bowling impact, with fewer fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle in ODIs compared to T20s.
The bowling attack’s broader composition has also faced challenges. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid’s underwhelming figures early in the tournament led to his omission for tactical reasons from two matches. His replacement, left-arm spinner Liam Dawson, took wicket hauls of one for 71 and two for 30, the latter against Pakistan. Debutant pace bowler Henry Crocombe struggled for control on his international debut, conceding 57 runs in just over six overs as he was targeted by Pakistan’s batsmen, particularly Shadab Khan.
Perhaps most critically, Gus Atkinson, leading the pace attack in the rested Jofra Archer’s absence, has struggled to consistently contain runs and take wickets. Across the tri-series, Atkinson claimed four wickets at an average of 38.5 and an economy rate of 6.7 runs per over. His overall ODI record includes 25 wickets in 19 matches with an average of 34.4 and an economy of 6.2.
With the upcoming 2027 World Cup on the horizon, England faces the urgent task of strengthening their bowling attack and addressing tactical shortcomings if they are to avoid an early exit in the tournament’s Southern African stages.