Ben Duckett produced a career-best 167 to propel England to 386 runs, before Liam Dawson's four-wicket haul dismantled Sri Lanka's chase in a 55-run victory in Lahore on 29 October 2026. The result offered England a measure of redemption in what had been a troubled tri-series campaign, though it came too late to alter their elimination from the tournament.
According to The Guardian, Sri Lanka had already secured their place in the final against Pakistan but appeared capable of claiming this dead-rubber encounter as well. The visitors required 87 runs from the final ten overs with Pavan Rathnayake established on 118, yet England's bowlers regrouped to take the last five wickets in three overs, with Dawson finishing with figures of four for 49.
England's tour had been marked by collapse from commanding positions, but Duckett's performance in Lahore—a ground where he has thrived—provided a bright spot. His 167 came from 115 deliveries and included 24 fours, according to BBC Sport. The left-hander had struggled in an earlier match with only 29 runs, but his form recovered dramatically. He reached his third century at this venue off 89 balls, then accelerated sharply, adding the next 50 runs in just 29 deliveries. His innings ended when he attempted to scoop over short fine leg but was caught by Asitha Fernando, though not before surpassing his previous best of 165 against Australia at the same ground.
Tom Banton provided crucial support in a first-wicket partnership worth 163 runs from 25 overs. Banton struck 74 before his footwork deserted him against Dasun Shanaka, dragging a delivery onto his stumps. His failure to convert three half-centuries in the series into a century represented a missed opportunity, yet his aggressive approach had set the tone for England's innings.
Harry Brook moved to number three as England pursued another massive total, but his dismissal for 44—a loose scoop off Asitha Fernando—proved the moment that ended hopes of a fourth consecutive 400-plus score. Will Jacks, Jordan Cox and Sam Curran maintained the momentum, with Fernando's tailing yorker limiting the damage to figures of two for 63. England nevertheless reached the highest ODI total ever recorded at the Gaddafi Stadium, with Joe Root remaining unused in the lower order.
Sri Lanka's chase began promisingly despite an early reprieve when Sonny Baker dropped Avishka Fernando at deep fine leg. Baker soon made amends with a nip-backer that removed Kamindu Mendis, though Kusal Mendis's replacement blade—his original bat having split in half against Gus Atkinson—functioned effectively. Kusal proved brutal against Baker, striking four sixes off the quick, and substantial partnerships with Avishka and Rathnayake left Sri Lanka well-positioned at 177 for two after 26 overs on a dewy pitch.
England's attack appeared blunt with Adil Rashid omitted from the squad, but Brook's decision to introduce Joe Root's off-spin proved immediately effective. Kusal under-edged down the leg-side on 89 into the gloves of Jordan Cox, and Dawson had Shanaka leg-before shortly after following a successful review. Spin tightened the contest from both ends, though Root's third over proved expensive as Janith Liyanage struck over the on-side. Curran's slower ball was punished, and Will Jacks bowled too short as Rathnayake made up for his patient start.
England discovered composure as the match progressed. Baker's pace proved welcome at the death, prompting Liyanage's removal for 27. Henry Crocombe, deployed for only his second over when Brook called him in during the 43rd, saw Sahan Arachchige launch him to long-on. Curran impressed with his death bowling, setting up Dunith Wellalage's run-out, and Dawson returned for his final over as Rathnayake top-edged to fine leg.
According to Sky Sports, Sonny Baker took two for 75, while Henry Crocombe, Joe Root and Sam Curran each claimed one wicket. The victory marked a significant turnaround after England's recent struggles in the tournament.
This result came after a difficult period for the squad. In their previous meeting on 22 October, Sri Lanka had chased England's 429 for four to win by two wickets with one ball remaining, with Rathnayake named player of the match. That defeat, combined with losses to Pakistan, had left England's tournament hopes in jeopardy before this consolation victory.
What happens next?
Sri Lanka are scheduled to face Pakistan in the tri-series final on Sunday, having already secured their place in the showdown. England's elimination from the tournament means their focus will now turn to preparation for their upcoming tour of Australia next month, where Jacob Bethell is expected to return to the squad and compete for a place in the middle order.
