The last time England won an ODI in Pakistan was in December 2005, and their rough patch in the country continues in the ongoing tri-series as well. They have now lost three games on the bounce, twice against the hosts and once against Pakistan. They have posted a 400-run-plus total. They have posted a 242-run total. They have batted first. And they have also chased the target. But no matter what route they took, the curse doesn’t lift from them.
England still have a chance to qualify
On the bright side, though, it is not all over for England in this tri-series. They can still make it to the final, but their fate isn’t entirely in their own hands now. With Pakistan already in the final, Sri Lanka and England will have to compete for the other spot. England, who are currently at the bottom of the table, can only progress if they get past Sri Lanka, who occupy the second spot.
Sri Lanka’s remaining games could decide England’s fate
For that to happen, they will need to hope that Sri Lanka, who have two points next to their name, lose both of their remaining games. Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan on Tuesday in Lahore, followed by their clash against England on Thursday. This equation could bring Net Run Rate (NRR) into play, especially if Sri Lanka lose by close margins.
This would not bode well for England, who currently have a lower NRR than Sri Lanka. Hence, the defeats would need to be hefty enough to lower Sri Lanka’s NRR.
Remaining Pakistan ODI Tri-series games
27 October: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
29 October: England vs Sri Lanka (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
1 November: Final, Pakistan vs TBA (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
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