Sri Lanka produced a convincing eight-wicket win over Pakistan on Friday, a result that brought England's hopes of reaching Saturday's tri-series final to an end.
The victory, described by organisers as comprehensive, removed England from contention in the three-nation tournament. With the scheduled final set for Saturday, the outcome of this fixture proved decisive for the remaining qualification permutations.
The tri-series, contested by England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, had left qualification scenarios finely balanced heading into the most recent match. Sri Lanka's success over Pakistan halted any remaining mathematical chance for England to progress to the title match.
The result will shift focus to the remaining finalists and the preparation for the Saturday decider. England, meanwhile, will be left to assess their campaign after being eliminated before the weekend climax of the series.