A blistering 167 from Ben Duckett and a four‑wicket burst by Liam Dawson powered England to a 55‑run triumph over Sri Lanka in Lahore.
Key points
- Ben Duckett’s 167 is his highest ODI score and marks his second 150+ innings, a rare feat for an England opener.
- Liam Dawson’s four‑wicket spell was instrumental in breaking Sri Lanka’s chase and highlighted England’s experienced spin option.
- England’s bench depth, especially in the opening slots, is creating selection dilemmas ahead of the Australian tour.
- Sri Lanka’s strong batting, exemplified by Rathnayake’s 118, fell short due to a late‑innings collapse.
England wrapped up the final match of the one‑day international tri‑series in Lahore with a 386‑5 total, thanks to an explosive 167 off 132 balls from opener Ben Duckett, while Liam Dawson added four wickets to seal a 55‑run win over Sri Lanka.
Duckett and Tom Banton put on a 163‑run opening partnership, with Duckett reaching his highest ODI score and becoming the third England opener to record two scores above 150 in ODIs. Banton contributed a quick‑fire 74 before being dismissed, while middle‑order hits from Harry Brook (44), Will Jacks (30) and Jordan Cox (43 off 27) ensured the total stayed well above 350.
Duckett's record‑breaking opening stand
Sri Lanka’s chase, anchored by Pavan Rathnayake’s 118 off 77 balls and Kusal Mendis’s 89, faltered after a collapse of five wickets for 16 runs. Dawson claimed the pivotal wicket of Rathnayake in the 45th over and finished with figures of 4‑49, complementing Sam Curran and Sonny Baker’s death‑over work.
England coach Brendon McCullum praised the depth of options, noting, "You want options, and guys to push their case when they get their opportunities," and highlighted the need for adaptable selections ahead of the team’s November tour of Australia. He also commented on the limited role of leg‑spin in the match, saying, "Leg‑spin hasn't played too much of a role and we want to be a team who can adapt to different conditions and be quite malleable with our selections."
Dawson's spell turns the tide
The victory comes as England prepares for a three‑ODI and five‑T20 series in Australia, while Sri Lanka head into the tri‑series final against Pakistan. The win also underscores the form of England’s opening pair, with Duckett and Banton now boasting multiple high‑score partnerships this tour.
Reader questions
What was the final score of the match?
England posted 386‑5 in 50 overs, and Sri Lanka were all out for 331 in 45.1 overs, giving England a 55‑run victory.
How did Ben Duckett’s innings compare to his previous performance in the series?
Duckett’s 167 eclipsed his earlier century of 105 against Pakistan, making it his highest ODI score and his second innings above 150 in the series.
What implications does this win have for England’s upcoming schedule?
The win boosts confidence ahead of England’s November tour of Australia, where they will play three ODIs and five T20s, and it showcases the form of the opening pair and the depth of the squad.
Source: bbc.com
