Duckett’s 167 Powers England’s Record-Breaking Total
News Desk
Lahore: England posted a formidable total of 386 for five in their allotted 50 overs against Sri Lanka in the sixth and final league match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, setting the Islanders a challenging target of 387 runs for victory.
England, invited to bat first by Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis, produced an impressive batting display led by opener Ben Duckett, who struck a career-best 167 runs to help his team register the highest ODI total at Gaddafi Stadium.
The English side surpassed Pakistan’s previous record of 375 runs, set against Zimbabwe in 2025, to establish a new venue record.
Duckett Leads England’s Batting Charge
Openers Ben Duckett and Tom Banton gave England a flying start, putting together a 163-run opening partnership. Banton scored 74 before being dismissed.
Captain Harry Brook, who had scored a double century against Sri Lanka in the previous match, came in at number three for the first time in his ODI career. He added 107 runs for the second wicket alongside Duckett, taking England’s total to 270 before departing for 44.
England lost its third wicket at 301 when Duckett was dismissed after a magnificent innings of 167. He struck 24 boundaries but did not hit a single six during his knock.
Will Jacks contributed 30 runs off 21 balls, while Jordan Cox scored a brisk 43 off 27 deliveries. Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 21 as England finished on 386 for five, maintaining a run rate of 7.72.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando claimed two wickets, while Dilshan Madushanka, Ishan Malinga and Dasun Shanaka took one wicket each.
Sri Lanka Face Another Huge Chase
Sri Lanka now face the challenge of chasing 387 runs to secure victory in their final league fixture. The Islanders previously demonstrated their batting strength in the same series by successfully chasing down England’s target of 430 runs, registering the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.
Sri Lanka Win Toss and Elect to Field
Earlier, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to field first in the final league match of the tournament.
Sri Lanka retained the same playing XI, while England made one change, bringing in Sonny Baker in place of Jamie Overton.
The match is the final league fixture before Saturday’s final. Pakistan, with three victories, and Sri Lanka, with two wins, have already secured their places in the title decider, while England entered the match still searching for its first victory in the series.
The tri-nation ODI series final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, October 31, with both teams competing for the trophy.
