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
England closed their tri-series campaign in Lahore with a 55-run victory over Sri Lanka. Ben Duckett delivered a sublime performance, scoring 167 off 132 balls, as England posted a massive total of 386-5. The match followed a high-scoring trend, though England’s bowlers successfully managed the pressure in the latter stages. 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. 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. And a fifth-wicket stand of 72 off just 38 balls with the explosive Janith Liyanage had England twitching before the latter fell to Baker for 27 off, rathnayake raced to a 70-ball century to keep Sri Lanka in contention. However, as part-timers Jacks and Root conceded 71 off seven combined overs which could have given Brook a headache had Sri Lanka’s run chase progressed deeper, the question surrounding England’s second spinner remains. And a fifth-wicket stand of 72 off just 38 balls with the explosive Janith Liyanage had England twitching before the latter fell to Baker for 27 off 17, rathnayake raced to a 70-ball century to keep Sri Lanka in contention.
Sri Lanka’s chase remained competitive for much of the innings, requiring 87 runs from the final 10 overs. Despite a brilliant 118 from Pavan Rathnayake off 77 balls, the tourists eventually fell short. Sri Lanka suffered a late collapse, losing their final five wickets for just 16 runs, with Liam Dawson proving pivotal in dismantling the tail. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Duckett’s efforts were historical, marking the second time the opener has surpassed 150 runs in an ODI, making him only the third England player to achieve the feat twice. 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.
His partnership with Tom Banton, which yielded 163 runs, provided a strong foundation. 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.
Banton contributed a solid 74 before being dismissed, while Harry Brook, Will Jacks, and Jordan Cox added valuable runs to keep the score high.
Sri Lanka’s reply was initially anchored by Rathnayake and Kusal Mendis, who scored 89.
However, the momentum shifted when Dawson took the key wicket of Rathnayake in the 45th over. Dawson finished with figures of 4-49, having also removed Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka. Sonny Baker and Sam Curran also provided crucial support at the death to stifle any remaining threat. Starting with the crucial wicket of opener Avishka Fernando, who picked out Jacks on the boundary to break a second-wicket stand of 82, the experienced Dawson saved their blushes though.
Following the game, England head coach Brendon McCullum praised the team’s depth and adaptability. Discussing the selection process, he noted the difficulty in balancing the side, particularly regarding the role of spin bowlers in conditions that have not consistently favored leg-spinners like Adil Rashid. Such is the power of England’s middle order that Root was not required to bat. But we will always do what’s right for the team depending on conditions and the opposition, we will learn more about that in Australia.
“We want to be a team who can adapt to different conditions and be quite malleable with our selections,” McCullum said.
He highlighted Dawson as an experienced and competitive option who demonstrated his value in this series.
The coach also addressed the competition for batting spots, noting that while Jacob Bethell remains an option upon his return from injury, the current form of players like Banton presents positive selection challenges.
England now prepares for a tour of Australia, featuring three ODIs and five T20 matches in November. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will shift their focus to the upcoming tri-series final against Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday. For England, the win serves as a positive conclusion to a series that has tested their tactical depth and bowling options. Here he was ruthless, while Duckett’s 105 against Pakistan held a poor England innings together.
