England sealed a solid 55-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final league match of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday. The win gave England a positive end to their campaign, while Sri Lanka still progressed to the final against hosts Pakistan.
England posted a strong total of 386 for five in 50 overs. Ben Duckett dominated the innings with a brilliant 167 off 132 balls, smashing 24 fours. His opening stand of 163 runs with Tom Banton, who scored 74 off 75, set a perfect platform. Captain Harry Brook added 44 off 34, Will Jacks made a quick 30, Jordan Cox contributed 43 off 27, and Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 21 as England reached an imposing score. Duckett was rightly named Player of the Match for his outstanding knock.
Sri Lanka chased the 387-run target but were bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs. Pavan Rathnayake played a fiery century, scoring 118 off just 77 balls with 15 fours and a six. Captain Kusal Mendis supported well with 89 off 71, including five sixes, while Avishka Fernando made 48. Despite these strong efforts, Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at key moments and fell short by 55 runs.
Liam Dawson was the star with the ball for England, taking four wickets for 49 runs. Sonny Baker claimed two, while Sam Curran, Henry Crocombe and Joe Root picked up one each. For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando took two wickets, with Dasun Shanaka, Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka sharing the rest.
Pakistan topped the points table with six points from four matches. Sri Lanka finished second with four points, and England ended third with two points. The final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is set for Saturday, October 31, in Lahore.
