Ben Duckett cemented his status as the definitive one-day opener in Pakistan, smashing a personal best of 167 to guide England to a formidable 386 for five against Sri Lanka. The left-hander’s masterclass at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore marked his third century in just four innings at the venue, extending his remarkable run of back-to-back hundreds. By anchoring the innings with a 163-run partnership with Tom Banton and a 107-run stand with captain Harry Brook, Duckett provided the platform for England to post a target that demands a significant response from the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Duckett’s 167 anchors England’s 386/5, keeping their tri-series hopes alive in a dead rubber.
Supporting Duckett’s dominant performance, Tom Banton reached 74 before being dragged to his stumps, securing his third fifty-plus score of the tour. Harry Brook, promoted to number three, offered a sharp counter-attack with 44 off just 34 balls before toe-ending a ramp back to Asitha Fernando. The top-order stability was crucial in building a total that reflects England’s intent to secure a consolation victory after three consecutive defeats eliminated their chances of reaching the tri-series final.
With the match now a dead rubber, England’s imposing total shifts the pressure entirely onto Sri Lanka. Duckett’s consistent excellence in Lahore has been the defining feature of England’s campaign, and his ability to convert good starts into massive scores highlights the team’s current batting strength. As Sri Lanka prepares to chase 387, the focus turns to whether their bowlers can replicate the discipline that has frustrated England earlier in the tournament, or if Duckett’s form will continue to dictate the narrative in Pakistan.
Source: The Independent Sport
