Duckett’s century powers England to 386 against Sri Lanka
The left-handed opener smashed 167 off 132 deliveries, including 24 fours, as England surpassed the previous highest ODI total recorded at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Zaid Hassan
Producer
Zaid Hassan, a seasoned sports journalist, led Cricket Pakistan as editor for four years, shaping its coverage with insightful analysis. Now a producer at Nukta, he expands into broader storytelling while remaining a key voice in Pakistan’s sports media.
England's Ben Duckett scored 167 runs in tri-series clash against Sri Lanka on Thursday in Lahore.
PCB
Ben Duckett’s commanding century propelled England to a record-breaking 386/5 against Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.
The left-handed opener smashed 167 off 132 deliveries, including 24 fours, as England surpassed the previous highest ODI total recorded at the venue. His outstanding knock, supported by Tom Banton’s half-century, laid the groundwork for a formidable target of 387 after Sri Lanka opted to bowl first.
How did Duckett and Banton set up England’s innings?
Duckett and Banton provided England with an explosive start, putting together 163 runs for the opening wicket to establish early control.
Banton contributed 74 off 75 balls, hitting eight boundaries and two sixes before Dasun Shanaka bowled him in the 25th over. Captain Harry Brook joined Duckett and maintained the momentum with an aggressive 44 off 34 deliveries, including two sixes.
Duckett brought up his hundred from just 89 balls and continued to dominate the Sri Lankan attack. His innings eventually ended in the 42nd over when Eshan Malinga dismissed him, with Avishka Fernando completing the catch.
Who accelerated England’s scoring in the closing overs?
Brook’s dismissal at 270, caught off Asitha Fernando’s bowling, did little to slow England’s progress. Will Jacks added 30 from 21 balls before falling to the same bowler.
Jordan Cox then delivered a valuable contribution of 43 off 27 deliveries, while Sam Curran provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 21 from 12 balls.
England collected 92 runs in the final 10 overs despite losing three wickets. Their innings featured 43 fours and six sixes, accounting for 208 runs through boundaries.
Malinga conceded 101 runs in his 10 overs while taking one wicket. Asitha finished with two for 63, whereas Shanaka and Dilshan Madushanka claimed one wicket apiece.
What record did England break?
England eclipsed Pakistan’s previous highest ODI total at Gaddafi Stadium, which stood at 375/3 against Zimbabwe in May 2015.
Sri Lanka now require 387 runs to secure victory in another high-scoring encounter against England following their previous meeting in Rawalpindi.
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