England End ODI Tri-Series With 55-Run Win Over Sri Lanka

England – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – England end ODI tri-series on a winning note after beating Sri Lanka by 55 runs at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday. It was the last league match of the event.

The result does not change the title race. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet in the final on Saturday, October 31, in Lahore.

Duckett Leads a Big England Total

England batted first and scored 386 for five in their 50 overs. Ben Duckett was the star of the innings.

He made 167 off 132 balls and hit 24 fours. He was named Player of the Match for his effort.

Tom Banton gave him great support with 74 off 75 balls. The two openers added 163 runs for the first wicket and set a solid base.

Captain Harry Brook then hit 44 off 34 balls. Jordan Cox added a quick 43 off 27, and Will Jacks made 30 off 21.

Sam Curran stayed not out on 21 off 12 balls and helped England finish strongly.

For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando took two wickets. Dasun Shanaka, Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka took one each.

Sri Lanka Fall Short

Sri Lanka needed 387 to win and started the chase well. They were bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs.

Pavan Rathnayake played a fine knock of 118 off 77 balls. He hit 15 fours and one six.

Captain Kusal Mendis scored 89 off 71 balls with eight fours and five sixes. Avishka Fernando chipped in with 48 off 50.

However, Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at key moments. That stopped them from getting close to the target.

England’s Bowlers Do the Job

Liam Dawson was the best England bowler. He took four wickets for 49 runs in his 10 overs.

Sonny Baker picked up two wickets. Sam Curran, Henry Crocombe and Joe Root took one wicket each.

Pakistan finished top of the three-team table with six points from four matches. They won three and lost one.

Sri Lanka took second place with four points after two wins and two defeats. England ended third with two points, having won one of their four games.

Now all eyes turn to Saturday, when hosts Pakistan and Sri Lanka will fight for the trophy in Lahore.