England end disappointing tri-series run with victory over Sri Lanka

England signed off from the ODI tri-series with a 55-run victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday, thanks to Ben Duckett’s commanding 167 and Liam Dawson’s four-wicket haul at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

The win offered some consolation for England, who had lost their first three matches and were already out of contention for the final. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, had secured their place in Saturday’s title clash against hosts Pakistan despite the defeat.

England’s total of 386-5 proved too much for Sri Lanka, who were bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs. Pavan Rathnayake kept the chase alive with a blistering 118 off 77 balls, but Dawson’s strikes in the middle and lower order prevented the visitors from getting across the line.

Duckett was the mainstay of England’s innings, scoring 167 from 132 balls with 24 fours. He built the platform alongside Tom Banton, whose 74 off 75 deliveries helped England reach 163 without loss before the opening partnership was broken by Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka.

Harry Brook added 44 from 34 balls and Will Jacks made 30 off 21, keeping the scoring rate high. Duckett departed at 301-3 after attempting a scoop off Eshan Malinga, but Jordan Cox’s 43 from 27 balls and Sam Curran’s unbeaten 21 off 12 ensured England finished strongly, adding 85 runs in the final 8.1 overs.

Sri Lanka’s reply suffered an early setback when Sonny Baker bowled Kamindu Mendis for four. Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis then steadied the innings, with Avishka scoring 48 and Kusal contributing 89 from 71 balls, including eight fours and five sixes.

After Kusal fell at 177-3, Rathnayake took charge. He reached his hundred from 70 balls, his third ODI century — all against England this year — and struck 15 fours and a six. Contributions from Janith Liyanage (27) and Sahan Arachchige (30) helped keep Sri Lanka in the contest.

Dawson, however, turned the game decisively in England’s favour. After dismissing Avishka, he removed captain Dasun Shanaka for four and later claimed the wickets of Rathnayake and Asitha Fernando, finishing with 4-49 from his 10 overs. Henry Crocombe ended Rathnayake’s resistance at 329, leaving the tail unable to complete the chase.

Asitha Fernando took two wickets for Sri Lanka, while Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga claimed one each. Malinga conceded 101 runs in his 10 overs as England maintained a strong scoring rate throughout their innings.

The result gave England a positive finish after earlier defeats, including a loss to Pakistan after failing to defend 242 and Sri Lanka’s successful chase of 430 in Rawalpindi. Sri Lanka will now prepare for Saturday’s final against Pakistan at the same venue.