Will Sri Lanka vs England in Lahore bring England more misery?
Sri Lanka's record in tight finishes suggests England's run of defeats from winning positions could well go on at the Gaddafi Stadium.
England vs
Sri Lanka
England reach the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, unable to reach Saturday's final but in need of a performance after a tough week.
How England lost from winning positions
In Rawalpindi against Pakistan, England were 91 without loss in their chase and were bowled out for 215. Against Sri Lanka, Harry Brook made 202 and England reached 429 for 4, yet Sri Lanka still chased it down.
Back in Lahore, England had Pakistan at 154 for 9, and Shadab Khan made 113 as he and Haris Rauf added an unbroken stand for the last wicket to take Pakistan home. England have found a different way to lose from in front every time.
Sri Lanka's record in close ODIs
Since January 2023, Sri Lanka have won 9 of their 12 close ODIs, the highest share of any Full Member side except Australia. One of those victories came in Rawalpindi last week, when they chased down England's total with two wickets and one ball to spare, the kind of late finish England have lacked all series.
- Sri Lanka to win 9/5
Jamie Overton has held up for England
Jamie Overton is England's leading wicket-taker in the series with five wickets, having bowled more overs than any other England bowler.
He has been a consistent performer for England in ODIs. Since January 2023 he has conceded 5.62 runs per over, compared with the team average of 6.05.
- Jamie Overton to be England's top bowler 3/1
What Thursday's match turns on
Brook's side have shown they can build winning positions. Can they now hold on through the closing overs? Sri Lanka have recently finished tight games better than almost any other side, and on that record, England's misery could be set to continue.
Prices correct at time of writing.