By Basant El-Faramawy
England secured a consolation victory over Sri Lanka in the final match of the one-day international tri-series in Lahore, winning by 55 runs after posting 386-5. Opener Ben Duckett struck a career-best 167 off 132 balls, while left-arm spinner Liam Dawson claimed 4-49 to halt Sri Lanka's chase at 331 all out.
Duckett's century powers England to 386-5
Duckett dominated a batting-friendly surface, reaching his second consecutive ODI hundred and becoming only the third England opener to pass 150 twice in the format. He shared an opening stand of 163 with Tom Banton, who made 74, before Harry Brook (44), Will Jacks (30) and Jordan Cox (43 off 27) propelled the total towards 400. Joe Root did not need to bat, underlining England's middle-order depth.
Sri Lanka's chase falls short despite Rathnayake's 118
Pavan Rathnayake continued his rich form with a blistering 118 off 77 balls, following his 130 in the previous game, and added 89 with Kusal Mendis. Sri Lanka remained within reach of the required run-rate until the final 10 overs, when they needed 87. A collapse of five wickets for 16 runs, triggered by Dawson's dismissal of Rathnayake in the 45th over, ended the pursuit.
Dawson leads bowling fightback
The experienced Dawson provided the breakthrough England needed, removing Avishka Fernando early and later pinning Dasun Shanaka lbw. He returned at the death to take the key wickets of Rathnayake and Asitha Fernando, finishing with four wickets. Sam Curran and debutant Sonny Baker also executed well in the closing overs after expensive starts.
Selection questions ahead of Australia tour
Banton's fifth fifty-plus score in six innings strengthens his case to retain the opening slot alongside Duckett when Jacob Bethell returns from injury for the upcoming Australia tour. Coach Brendon McCullum described the competition as a "good problem" and indicated Bethell's versatility could see him slot into the middle order, though the form of Brook, Jacks and Root makes that decision difficult.
