Ben Duckett produced a batting masterclass at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, smashing a career-best 167 to drive England to an imposing 386-5 against Sri Lanka in a match that carries no stakes for the visitors but plenty of pride.
The 32-year-old left-hander’s explosive knock came off just 132 deliveries and featured 24 boundaries, anchoring England’s innings on a pitch that favoured batsmen throughout. Despite already being eliminated from Saturday’s final after three consecutive defeats, England showed no signs of surrender.
Duckett found an ideal partner in Tom Banton, who contributed a brisk 74 runs off 75 balls with two sixes and eight fours. The opening pair put together a commanding 163-run stand that set the foundation for England’s imposing total.
The carnage continued when captain Harry Brook joined Duckett at the crease. The duo added another rapid-fire 107 runs in just 75 balls, with Brook smashing two sixes and three boundaries during his 34-ball stay that yielded 44 runs.
Duckett’s innings finally ended in the 42nd over when he mistimed a scoop shot off Eshan Malinga’s bowling. His previous best ODI score was 165 against Australia in last year’s Champions Trophy, also played at the same Lahore venue.
The lower order ensured England maintained momentum in the death overs. Jordan Cox added 43, Will Jacks chipped in with 30, and Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 21 as the visitors plundered 92 runs in the final ten overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando managed figures of 2-63, but his new-ball partner Malinga endured a nightmare outing, conceding 101 runs for his solitary wicket.
England’s tournament has been marked by dramatic collapses and near-misses. They failed to defend a massive 430-run target against Sri Lanka earlier in the series and surrendered 89 runs for the final wicket against Pakistan in another heartbreaking defeat.
With England now playing for pride alone, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will battle for the trophy in Saturday’s final at the same venue. Both teams have demonstrated superior consistency throughout the tournament, leaving the English side to reflect on what might have been.
The match continues to unfold, with Sri Lanka facing the daunting task of chasing down England’s formidable total on a pitch that has offered little assistance to bowlers.
