Duckett’s record-breaking 167 powers England past Sri Lanka despite Rathnayake’s century

Duckett’s record-breaking 167 powers England past Sri Lanka despite Rathnayake’s century

By Nawaz Gohar ;  Ben Duckett produced a career-best 167 before Liam Dawson dismantled Sri Lanka’s late resistance, steering England to a 55-run victory in a high-scoring ODI encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a daunting target of 387, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs despite a magnificent 118 off just 77 balls from Pavan Rathnayake. His third ODI century and a determined 89 from captain Kusal Mendis kept the contest alive, but England held their nerve to avoid another defeat against the spirited Sri Lankans.

Duckett’s commanding innings had earlier propelled England to 386-5 in their allotted 50 overs, their highest total at the venue. The left-handed opener struck 24 boundaries in a 132-ball masterclass, laying the foundation for England’s imposing score and earning the Player of the Match award.

The victory offered England a measure of redemption after their earlier disappointment against Sri Lanka, although their overall campaign remained below expectations, with just one win in four matches. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, could draw confidence from their batting performances ahead of Saturday’s final against Pakistan in Lahore.

Rathnayake, Mendis fuel Sri Lanka’s chase

Sri Lanka began their pursuit with intent, with Avishka Fernando contributing a brisk 48 before Mendis took charge alongside Rathnayake. Mendis struck five sixes and eight boundaries in his 71-ball 89, providing the innings with momentum and keeping the required run rate within reach.

The pair added 84 runs for the second wicket before Rathnayake joined Mendis in a decisive 80-run partnership for the third wicket, scored from just 59 deliveries. Rathnayake’s aggressive stroke play briefly put England under pressure as Sri Lanka continued to believe in another remarkable chase.

His innings featured 15 boundaries and a six, showcasing the same attacking approach that had brought him a memorable 130 during Sri Lanka’s successful pursuit of 430 in Rawalpindi a week earlier.

With 87 runs required from the final 10 overs, Sri Lanka remained in contention. Rathnayake then added 72 runs with Janith Liyanage for the fifth wicket, further raising hopes of another stunning turnaround.

England, however, found a way back into the contest when Sonny Baker broke the partnership. Dawson subsequently delivered the decisive blow, dismissing Rathnayake in the 45th over as the batter miscued a sweep and was caught.

Dawson finished with career-best figures of 4-49, while Baker claimed 2-75 to help England close out the match. Rathnayake’s departure effectively ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of completing another extraordinary chase.

Duckett sets the platform for England

Earlier, England made full use of being put in to bat, with Duckett and Tom Banton launching an authoritative opening partnership worth 163 runs.

Banton contributed 74 from 75 deliveries, striking two sixes and eight boundaries, while Duckett anchored the innings with a mixture of precision and aggression. His 167 surpassed his previous ODI best of 165, scored against Australia at the same venue during the Champions Trophy last year.

After Banton’s dismissal, Duckett continued to dominate, adding 107 runs from just 75 balls with captain Harry Brook for the second wicket. Brook chipped in with 44 off 34 deliveries, including two sixes and three fours, ensuring England maintained a formidable scoring rate.

Duckett’s innings finally ended in the 42nd over when he miscued a scoop against Eshan Malinga. By then, however, he had placed England in a commanding position.

Jordan Cox added a valuable 43, while Will Jacks contributed 30 and Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 21. Their efforts helped England collect 92 runs in the final 10 overs and finish with a formidable 386-5.

Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler, taking 2-63, while Malinga claimed one wicket but conceded 101 runs.

Brook welcomes England’s response

England captain Harry Brook expressed satisfaction with the way his team managed the closing stages, particularly after Sri Lanka’s remarkable 430-run chase in their previous encounter.

“The way we finished the game off, we've learned a lot from the game when they chased 430,” Brook said. “That's really good. I wasn't getting nervy, to be honest.”

Acknowledging that England had fallen short of their ambitions in the series, Brook added that the players could take confidence from the victory.

“We haven't had the series we wanted, we'd have liked to be in the final on Saturday. The lads are taking a lot of confidence.”

Sri Lanka captain Mendis remained optimistic about his side’s prospects in the final against Pakistan, pointing to the team’s encouraging batting performances.

“We have batted well, so not to worry about the final and I am sure we will be up to the task come Saturday,” Mendis said.

Although Sri Lanka fell short of another major chase, Rathnayake’s century and Mendis’s contribution offered plenty of encouragement ahead of the final. England, meanwhile, departed with a hard-earned victory built on Duckett’s outstanding batting and a disciplined finish from their bowling attack.

Match summary

England: 386-5 in 50 overs

Ben Duckett 167, Tom Banton 74, Harry Brook 44, Jordan Cox 43, Will Jacks 30, Sam Curran 21 not out; Asitha Fernando 2-63.

Sri Lanka: 331 all out in 45.1 overs

Pavan Rathnayake 118, Kusal Mendis 89, Avishka Fernando 48, Sahan Arachchige 30, Janith Liyanage 27; Liam Dawson 4-49, Sonny Baker 2-75.

Result: England won by 55 runs.

Player of the Match: Ben Duckett (England).