Duckett and Dawson secure England consolation win over Sri Lanka

Ben Duckett struck his second successive one-day international century and Liam Dawson claimed four wickets as England defeated Sri Lanka by 55 runs in Lahore to finish their tri-series campaign with a consolation victory.

England posted 386-5 from their 50 overs, led by Duckett’s superb 167 from 132 balls. Sri Lanka appeared capable of mounting another extraordinary chase after staying close to the required rate for much of their innings, but they were dismissed for 331 in 45.1 overs.

Pavan Rathnayake again produced a spectacular performance for Sri Lanka, making 118 from 77 deliveries after scoring 130 in the teams’ previous meeting. He and Kusal Mendis, who made 89, established the platform for the chase, while Rathnayake’s fifth-wicket partnership of 72 from 38 balls with Janith Liyanage briefly raised hopes of another successful pursuit.

England eventually regained control when Dawson removed Liyanage, who had struck 27 from 17 balls, before dismissing Rathnayake in the 45th over as the required rate climbed. Dawson completed his spell with 4-49, while Sri Lanka lost their final five wickets for only 16 runs. Asitha Fernando was Dawson’s other victim, and Sam Curran and Sonny Baker bowled effectively at the death after expensive spells earlier in the innings.

Duckett and Tom Banton gave England an imposing start by adding 163 for the opening wicket. Banton fell for an impressive 74 after dragging the ball onto his stumps, but Duckett continued to his highest ODI score before being dismissed in the 42nd over, miscuing a ramp shot as fatigue appeared to affect him.

Harry Brook contributed 44, Will Jacks made 30 and Jordan Cox hit 43 from 27 balls to carry England beyond 380. Joe Root was not required to bat, underlining the depth of England’s middle order, while Banton strengthened his case for a regular place with his fifth score of at least 50 in his past six innings. His recent partnership record with Duckett includes stands of 143, six, 91, 74, four and 163.

Banton’s form creates a selection decision for England when Jacob Bethell returns from injury in Australia. Bethell previously opened alongside Duckett, although his versatility could allow him to compete for a middle-order role. England coach Brendon McCullum said the team had positive selection problems and would assess the options during the upcoming tour.

Dawson has now taken seven wickets in three matches in the series and was central to England’s recovery after Sri Lanka threatened to repeat their pursuit of 430 from the previous encounter. England’s part-time spin options remain a concern, with Jacks and Root conceding 71 runs in seven overs between them.

Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the tri-series final on Sunday. England now turn their attention to Australia, where they are scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20 internationals in November.