Match Summary
- England: 386-5 (50 overs) – Ben Duckett 167 (132 balls), Asitha 2-63
- Sri Lanka: 331 (45.1 overs) – Pavan Rathnayake 118 (77 balls), Liam Dawson 4-49
- Result: England won by 55 runs
England closed out their tri-series campaign with a 55-run victory against Sri Lanka in Lahore. The win was anchored by a dominant batting performance from Ben Duckett, who became only the third England opener to record two scores of 150 or more in one-day international cricket.
Duckett’s sublime 167 from 132 deliveries provided the foundation for England’s commanding total of 386-5.
He was supported by a strong opening partnership with Tom Banton, who added 74 runs before being dismissed. Although England fell slightly short of reaching 400, significant contributions from Harry Brook (44), Will Jacks (30), and Jordan Cox (43 off 27) ensured a challenging target for the tourists, while Joe Root was not required to bat. The opening partnership between Duckett and Tom Banton impressed again as the pair added 163 together before the latter frustratingly dragged on to his stumps for a fine 74. Here he was ruthless, while Duckett’s 105 against Pakistan held a poor England innings together. Duckett seems to relish opening with Banton: the pair have stands of 143, 6, 91, 74, 4 and 163 in their past six outings together.
The chase mirrored a high-scoring encounter from the previous week, where Sri Lanka had successfully pursued 430. Despite maintaining a competitive run rate throughout the match and needing 87 runs from the final 10 overs, Sri Lanka ultimately faltered. The team lost their final five wickets for just 16 runs, leaving them all out for 331. The chase followed a similar trajectory, as Sri Lanka kept themselves within touching distance of the run-rate throughout and needed 87 off the, in another high-scoring match with very little contest between bat and ball. Rathnayake, who made 130 in last week’s carnage, set the platform alongside Kusal Mendis’ 89 but Sri Lanka lost their last five wickets for just 16 runs, with Dawson claiming the key scalp of Rathnayake in the 45th over. With very little swing or seam movement on offer, Duckett was able to back himself to flay anything wide of the off stump and timed the ball exquisitely off his pads when Sri Lanka were forced to bowl straighter.
Pavan Rathnayake was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, striking 118 off 77 balls, but his efforts were in vain. Liam Dawson proved decisive in the latter stages of the innings, securing 4-49 and claiming the vital wicket of Rathnayake in the 45th over.
Duckett’s performance was noted for his physical fitness as well as his technical ability. He capitalized on the batting-friendly conditions and a tiring Sri Lankan attack, though he eventually fell in the 42nd over while attempting a ramp shot as fatigue settled in. Eventually falling in the 42nd over from a miscued ramp as the fatigue appeared to take its, it was also an impressive display of fitness from a player who has spoken about how hard he has worked at that part of his game.
This victory highlights an ongoing selection dilemma for England regarding their white-ball squad. With Banton delivering five scores of fifty or more in his last six appearances, his partnership with Duckett has proven highly effective. Head coach Brendon McCullum noted the team’s depth, particularly with Jacob Bethell expected to return from injury during the upcoming tour of Australia. Too, but he was particularly prolific against it as the seamers lacked the pace to really trouble him, they attempted to test with the short ball.
“You want options, and guys to push their case when they get their opportunities,” McCullum told Sky Sports. “They are good problems for us to have. We will learn more in Australia, but we will always do what is right for the team depending on conditions and the opposition.”
For Sri Lanka, the result provides a sobering finish to the series as they prepare to face Pakistan in the final on Sunday. Meanwhile, England now shifts focus to their next assignment in Australia, which includes three ODIs and five T20 fixtures in November.
