Duckett and Dawson secure consolation win for England over Sri Lanka
Ben Duckett hits a career-best 167 runs and Liam Dawson takes four wickets as England defeat Sri Lanka by 55 runs in Lahore tri-series.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Ben Duckett scores a majestic 167 off 132 balls, setting his highest ODI score for England.
- Liam Dawson claims 4-49 to help England secure a 55-run consolation win over Sri Lanka.
- England posts a commanding total of 386-5 from 50 overs at the venue in Lahore, Pakistan.
- Pavan Rathnayake scores 118 for Sri Lanka before they collapse, losing five wickets for 16 runs.
England wrapped up their tri-series campaign with a consolation victory over Sri Lanka, fueled by Ben Duckett's sensational batting performance in Lahore, Pakistan. Duckett smashed a majestic 167 off 132 balls, achieving his highest ever one-day international score and driving England to a formidable total of 386-5 in their 50-over quota.
Sri Lanka's run chase mirrored the high-scoring nature of their previous encounter, keeping close to the required run-rate throughout the innings. Pavan Rathnayake led the charge with a brilliant 118 off 77 balls, supported by Kusal Mendis's 89 runs, leaving Sri Lanka needing 87 runs from the final 10 overs.
However, England's bowling attack held firm during the climax, dealing a decisive blow when Sri Lanka lost their last five wickets for just 16 runs. Experienced spinner Liam Dawson halted the chase by claiming 4-49, including the vital scalp of Rathnayake in the 45th over, as Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Earlier, the opening partnership between Duckett and Tom Banton proved productive once again, adding 163 runs before Banton was unfortunately bowled out for 74. Further contributions from Harry Brook (44), Will Jacks (30), and Jordan Cox's rapid 43 off 27 balls ensured England maintained scoreboard pressure before heading to their upcoming Australia tour.
This victory offers vital momentum for England ahead of their tour of Australia, while highlighting both the explosive batting depth and the ongoing bowling vulnerabilities in the middle overs. The stellar form of both Duckett and Banton provides selectors with a welcome selection dilemma as they plan for future international fixtures.
The fixture also tested the physical endurance of both squads in challenging weather conditions, with Sri Lanka now preparing to face Pakistan in Sunday's tri-series final. Reflecting on the team's depth and squad competition, England coach Brendon McCullum spoke to Sky Sports about player opportunities.
"You want options, and guys to push their case when they get their opportunities"
Brendon McCullum
Source: BBC Sport
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