LAHORE, October 29:Ben Duckett delivered a commanding batting performance, smashing a career-best 167 as England posted 386/5 in their allotted 50 overs against Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Thursday.
Asked to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, England made full use of the batting-friendly conditions to put up a formidable total. Duckett led the charge with an outstanding innings that provided the foundation for England’s imposing score.
The left-handed opener struck 167 off 132 deliveries, registering his highest score in One-Day International cricket. He combined effectively with Tom Banton to establish a strong platform at the top of the order.
Duckett and Banton added 163 runs for the opening wicket, putting Sri Lanka’s bowling attack under sustained pressure. Banton contributed a valuable 74 before Dasun Shanaka broke the partnership, giving Sri Lanka a much-needed breakthrough.
England continued to score at a healthy rate despite losing wickets in the middle overs. Captain Harry Brook chipped in with 44, while Jordan Cox added an important 43 to maintain the momentum.
Will Jacks also made a useful contribution with 30 runs, while Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 21 from 12 deliveries to provide a late push. England finished at 386/5, narrowly missing the 400-run mark after Sri Lanka managed to take wickets during the closing overs.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando was the leading wicket-taker, finishing with figures of 2/63 from his 10 overs. Shanaka also played a key role by breaking England’s opening stand, while the bowlers worked to contain the scoring in the final stages.
England have set Sri Lanka a target of 387 runs to win. The contest carries added significance after Sri Lanka chased down 430 against England earlier in the tri-series, securing a memorable victory by two wickets.
With Duckett’s exceptional century giving England a strong total, the focus now shifts to Sri Lanka’s chase and whether they can produce another high-scoring performance in Lahore.
