England secured a consolation 55-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final tri-series match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, preventing a potential repeat of their previous collapse in Rawalpindi. And a target of 387 in Lahore was within reach, sri Lanka threatened a repeat of Rawalpindi.
Ben Duckett, who struggled earlier in the tour, delivered a stellar performance by striking 167, helping England post a massive total of 386. This score stands as the highest-ever ODI total at the venue. While Sri Lanka, who have already qualified for the upcoming final against Pakistan, appeared set to chase down the target, a late collapse saw the final five wickets fall in quick succession. Duckett was the leading man in the first half.
The match remained competitive as Sri Lanka reached 177 for two after 26 overs. Pavan Rathnayake proved to be a significant threat, scoring 118 runs to keep his team in the hunt. With 87 runs required from the final 10 overs, the game remained finely balanced. However, England’s bowlers maintained composure under pressure. Liam Dawson proved decisive, returning for his final over to claim the crucial wicket of Rathnayake, effectively stalling the Sri Lankan momentum. And Rathnayake’s low hands working their magic, the game looked theirs, with 87 runs required from the last 10 overs. At 177 for two off 26 overs, Sri Lanka were more than well-placed on a dewy pitch.
Reflecting on the victory, captain Harry Brook expressed satisfaction with his team’s tactical clarity. He noted that the squad had learned from their recent struggles, maintaining a clear plan with the bowlers at the top of their marks. Dawson finished with impressive figures of four for 49, a standout effort in a match that yielded over 700 runs in total. Four for 49 in a 700-plus game is a special return. The lads have learned a hell of a lot from that game we played a couple of days ago. To finish the game off like we did there was an exceptional effort.”. Way off his best with a scratchy 29 while everyone else teed off, he struggled in the 430 game.
England’s innings was anchored by a dominant 163-run opening partnership between Duckett and Tom Banton. Banton scored 74 off the back of strong form, recording his fifth score of 50 or more in his last six innings before his footwork failed against Dasun Shanaka. Duckett thrived in the conditions, reaching his third ODI century on the ground in 89 balls and accelerating rapidly thereafter. His career-best innings surpassed his previous record of 165 against Australia at the same stadium. Move forward a week and he has two more ODI tons, 105 in the low-scorer against Pakistan followed by a career-best. The first-wicket stand was worth 163 from 25 overs, with Tom Banton punching his way to his fifth 50-plus score in six innings. Dragging a Dasun Shanaka delivery on to the stumps, he fell for 74 when his footwork went missing. Back next month in Australia, fit into the picture, england now have a healthy problem: where does Jacob Bethell. Banton will undoubtedly be peeved that he failed to turn three half-centuries in the series into at least one helmet-raising moment. Middling his pull shots, Duckett eventually tired, though only after he had gone past his 165 against Australia at this venue last year.
Following Banton’s dismissal, Brook promoted himself to No. 3 but was restricted to 44 runs after an mistimed scoop. Although quick contributions followed from Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, and Sam Curran, Asitha Fernando managed to limit the damage with figures of two for 63. Joe Root was ultimately not required to bat as England closed their innings. Will Jacks, Jordan Cox and Sam Curran kept England moving at pace but Brook’s dismissal still felt significant, the moment that eliminated the chance of another 400.
Sri Lanka’s chase faced early hurdles despite a dropped catch by Sonny Baker. Gus Atkinson forced a split in Kusal Mendis’s bat, though the replacement blade proved effective. Kusal Mendis eventually fell for 89 after edging a delivery into the gloves of Cox off the bowling of Root, a tactical switch that Brook employed to disrupt the flow of the game. Shortly after, Dawson trapped Shanaka lbw following a successful review.
The later stages of the innings saw England tighten their control. Baker, despite an expensive start, removed Janith Liyanage for 27, while debutant Henry Crocombe dismissed Sahan Arachchige, who was caught by Brook at long-on. Curran later combined with the field to force a run-out of Dunith Wellalage, sealing England’s win before they head to Australia for their next series. Here, they were grateful for their left-arm spinner’s steel in another run-fest. And Henry Crocombe was barely called upon in his second ODI, england looked short with the ball having left out Adil Rashid once again.
