Match Summary: England vs. Sri Lanka
- England: 386-5 (50 overs) – Duckett 167 (132 balls), Asitha 2-63
- Sri Lanka: 331 (45.1 overs) – Rathnayake 118 (77 balls), Dawson 4-49
- Result: England won by 55 runs
Ben Duckett delivered a dominant batting display while Liam Dawson proved clinical with the ball, steering England to a 55-run consolation win against Sri Lanka in Lahore to conclude their tri-series campaign. Duckett’s majestic 167 off 132 deliveries ensured England reached a commanding total of 386-5 on a surface heavily favoring the batters. Which set up a tantalising chase after Sri Lanka’s astonishing pursuit of 430 in their previous encounter a week ago, duckett struck a majestic 167 from 132 balls as England racked up 386-5 in Lahore. As England’s opener capitalised on a batting-friendly surface and a tiring Sri Lanka attack, it meant Duckett’s second consecutive century eclipsed Rathnayake’s effort.
This performance marked a significant achievement for Duckett, who became the third English opener to score two individual centuries exceeding 150 runs in One Day International cricket.
His partnership with Tom Banton was once again a highlight, with the duo adding 163 runs before Banton was dismissed for 74. 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. 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.
Further contributions from Harry Brook (44), Will Jacks (30), and an aggressive 43 off 27 balls by Jordan Cox allowed England to finish with a formidable score, leaving Joe Root unused in the batting order. Contributions of 44 from Harry Brook, 30 from Will Jacks and a quickfire 43 off 27 from Jordan Cox ensured they still posted a commanding total, duckett kicked on to his highest ODI score and though England fell short of the 400 mark. How good is England’s ODI side a year out from the World Cup.
Sri Lanka’s pursuit followed the high-scoring pattern of their previous encounter, remaining in contention for much of the game.
They required 87 runs off the final 10 overs, anchored by Pavan Rathnayake’s brilliant 118 off 77 deliveries. However, England’s bowlers held their composure in the closing stages. Sri Lanka’s innings collapsed as they lost their final five wickets for just 16 runs, with Dawson finishing with figures of 4-49, including the vital wicket of Rathnayake in the 45th over. The chase followed a similar trajectory, as Sri Lanka kept themselves within touching distance of the run-rate throughout and needed 87 off the final 10 overs, 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 as they were all out for 331.
For England, the match provided a glimpse into their current white-ball depth. With Jacob Bethell currently sidelined with an injury, the impressive form of Banton has provided selectors with a difficult decision ahead of the upcoming tour of Australia. Banton has recorded five scores of fifty or more in his last six appearances, solidifying his role at the top of the order.
England head coach Brendon McCullum praised the team’s depth after the match, noting that having multiple players vying for positions is a positive challenge for the selection panel. He emphasized that the team will continue to adapt their strategy based on specific conditions and opposition requirements as they look ahead to upcoming fixtures in Australia, which include three ODIs and five T20 matches in November. And guys to push their case when they get their opportunities,” England coach Brendon McCullum told Sky Sports after the game, you want options.
While Sri Lanka remains focused on their upcoming tri-series final against Pakistan on Sunday, England leaves Lahore with a morale-boosting victory. Duckett’s fitness was particularly evident during his lengthy stay at the crease, a facet of his game he has reportedly worked hard to improve, only eventually being dismissed in the 42nd over due to fatigue following a miscued ramp shot. Here he was ruthless, while Duckett’s 105 against Pakistan held a poor England innings together.
