Ben Duckett delivered a spectacular batting masterclass at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, hammering 167 runs off 132 balls to power England to a commanding 386-5 against Sri Lanka in a match that no longer carried tournament implications.
The 32-year-old opener’s explosive innings featured 24 boundaries and anchored England’s imposing total on a batting-friendly surface that has produced high scores throughout the tri-nation series. Despite the impressive performance, England had already been eliminated from Saturday’s final after suffering defeats in all three of their earlier matches.
Duckett found an ideal partner in Tom Banton, who contributed a brisk 74 runs from 75 deliveries with two sixes and eight boundaries. The opening pair added 163 runs before Banton departed, setting the foundation for England’s assault.
The momentum continued as Duckett combined with captain Harry Brook for a rapid 107-run partnership off just 75 balls. Brook played an aggressive cameo, striking two sixes and three fours in his 34-ball knock of 44 runs before falling.
Duckett’s innings finally ended in the 42nd over when he mistimed a scoop shot off Eshan Malinga. His score of 167 narrowly missed his previous ODI best of 165, which he had also achieved at the same Gaddafi Stadium venue against Australia during last year’s Champions Trophy.
The lower order maintained the scoring rate, with Jordan Cox adding 43, Will Jacks contributing 30, and Sam Curran remaining unbeaten on 21. England plundered 92 runs in the final ten overs to push their total beyond 380.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught. Pace bowler Asitha Fernando claimed 2-63, but his new-ball partner Malinga endured a torrid outing, conceding 101 runs for his solitary wicket.
England’s tournament campaign has been marked by dramatic collapses, including their failure to defend a 430-run target against Sri Lanka and surrendering 89 runs for the final wicket against Pakistan. These defeats sealed their early exit and confirmed that Pakistan and Sri Lanka will contest Saturday’s final in Lahore.
While Thursday’s performance showcased England’s batting firepower, it came too late to salvage their campaign. The match served primarily as preparation and pride, with both teams now looking ahead to different objectives in the coming days.
