Duckett’s 167, Dawson’s four-for power England to 55-run win over Sri Lanka

England wrapped up their ODI tri-series campaign with a 55-run victory over Sri Lanka, with Ben Duckett’s magnificent 167 and Liam Dawson’s four-wicket haul proving decisive in the final league-stage match at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Sri Lanka, set a daunting 387-run target, managed 331 before being dismissed in 45.1 overs. Despite a counterattacking century from Pavan Rathnayake, the Islanders could not complete the chase and will now turn their attention to Saturday’s final against hosts Pakistan at the same venue.

Duckett’s 167 powers England to 386/5

Earlier, England produced a formidable batting display after Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis elected to bowl first, finishing their 50 overs at 386/5.

Duckett and Tom Banton gave the visitors an excellent start, putting together 163 runs for the opening wicket. Both batters reached half-centuries before Dasun Shanaka ended their partnership around the halfway stage, bowling Banton for 74 from 75 balls. His innings included eight fours and two sixes.

Duckett’s outstanding knock ended in the 42nd over, 22 deliveries after Brook’s dismissal. His 167-run innings came off 132 balls and featured 24 boundaries, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Jordan Cox added further impetus in the closing overs, scoring 43 off 27 deliveries.

Rathnayake’s century goes in vain as Sri Lanka collapse

Chasing 387, Sri Lanka mounted a spirited response but were eventually bowled out for 331 in 55.1 overs. Rathnayake provided the backbone of their pursuit after coming in at No. 4 following opener Asitha Fernando’s dismissal for 48 in the 17th over.

Sri Lanka’s momentum took a hit when Mendis fell to Joe Root in the 27th over. Dawson compounded their problems shortly afterwards, dismissing Shanaka for four to reduce the Islanders to 186/4.

Rathnayake continued to find the boundaries, while Janith Liyanage and Sahan Arachchige added 27 and 30 runs, respectively, to keep the visitors in contention.

However, Arachchige’s wicket proved to be the turning point. Sri Lanka’s lower order crumbled under pressure, losing five wickets for just 16 runs as England closed in on victory. Rathnayake also fell during the collapse, ending the Islanders’ hopes of completing the chase.

The right-hander top-scored with 118 off 77 balls, striking 15 fours and a six.

Dawson’s four-wicket haul seals England’s win

Dawson led England’s bowling effort, finishing with figures of 4/49 in his 10 overs. Sonny Baker claimed two wickets, while Curran, Henry Crocombe and Root picked up one apiece.

The victory marked a winning end to England’s league-stage campaign, while Sri Lanka will now prepare to face Pakistan in Saturday’s final at Gaddafi Stadium.