Ben Duckett’s brilliant 167 and a four-wicket haul from spinner Liam Dawson secured a 55-run consolation victory for England over Sri Lanka in the tri-series in Lahore.
Opting to bat at Gaddafi Stadium, England posted a massive 386-5 in 50 overs is their highest ODI total at the venue. Duckett dominated the Sri Lankan attack, striking 24 boundaries in his 132-ball knock. He shared a solid 163-run opening stand with Tom Banton who scored 74. Handy contributions from Harry Brook (44), Jordan Cox (43) and Will Jacks (30) pushed the total near 400.
Sri Lanka launched a spirited chase. Pavan Rathnayake led the fightback with a explosive 118 off 77 balls, supported by Kusal Mendis’ 89. The pair kept Sri Lanka within striking distance and bringing the target to 87 runs needed from the final 10 overs.
However the Sri Lanka’s lower order collapsed, losing their last five wickets for just 16 runs. Dawson broke the crucial partnership by dismissing Rathnayake in the 45th over and finished with impressive figures of 4-49. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs.
While England now depart for their tour of Australia, Sri Lanka prepare to face hosts Pakistan in the tri-series final on Sunday.
