Sri Lanka, chasing 386, halted at 331, loses to England

Although the final match of the preliminary round of the Pakistan Tri-Nation ODI Cricket Tournament was merely a formality, for the spectators gathered at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, it was an incredibly exciting match with 717 runs scored. The England team, whose elimination from the tournament was already confirmed, recorded a 55-run victory against Sri Lanka, preserving their pride and also setting the highest ODI score at Gaddafi Stadium.

However, this defeat will not have any impact on the Sri Lankan team, who have already qualified for the final match of the tournament.

Responding fiercely to Sri Lanka's decision to bowl first in the day/night match after winning the toss, England's batsmen took full advantage of the batting-friendly pitch and clear weather. Ben Duckett recorded his highest score in ODI cricket, amassing 167 runs off 132 balls. His innings, adorned with 24 fours, propelled England to a massive total of 386 for 5 wickets at the end of their allotted 50 overs. Duckett, who completed his century in 89 balls, laid a strong foundation for England's innings by building a 163-run partnership for the first wicket with Tom Banton (74) and a 107-run partnership with captain Harry Brook (44). A tired Duckett eventually fell, caught by Asitha Fernando off a delivery from Eshan Malinga. Sri Lankan bowlers were under severe pressure, with Malinga conceding 101 runs in his 10 overs while taking only one wicket. Asitha Fernando claimed 2 wickets for 63 runs.

Chasing a massive target of 387 runs, Sri Lanka's batsmen never backed down, even though Kamindu Mendis, the first wicket, fell quickly for 4 runs. Opening batsman Avishka Fernando scored 48 runs, while captain Kusal Mendis amassed a rapid 89 runs off 71 balls, including 8 fours and 5 sixes. Following them, young batsman Pawan Rathnayake once again asserted his dominance against the English bowlers. Having scored 130 runs against England in Rawalpindi last week, he continued his form in this match, scoring a quickfire 118 runs off 77 balls. His innings included 15 fours and one six, notably marking his third ODI century and his third century against England this year.

As the final 10 overs began, Sri Lanka needed a reachable target of 87 runs for victory. With Rathnayake well-set at the crease, Sri Lanka seemed within sight of victory, but Liam Dawson's excellent bowling turned the tide back in England's favor. Dawson, recording his best-ever ODI bowling figures, crippled Sri Lanka's lower order by taking 4 wickets for 49 runs. Dawson also managed to dismiss Rathnayake, and Sri Lanka's last 5 wickets fell within approximately three overs. Consequently, Sri Lanka's innings was restricted to 331 runs in 45.1 overs. Janith Liyanage scored 27 runs and Sahan Arachchige scored 30 runs, playing fighting innings.

Ben Duckett was awarded the Man of the Match, and this victory brought relief to England, who had faced several setbacks earlier in the tournament, such as failing to defend 429 runs in Rawalpindi and losing by 1 wicket to Pakistan. They finished at the bottom of the table with 2 points. However, despite the defeat, Rathnayake's excellent batting and Kusal Mendis's aggressive hitting bring positive hopes for Sri Lanka. With Dilshan Madushanka's brilliant performance of taking 5 wickets for 34 runs, having earlier bowled out Pakistan for 110, the Sri Lankan team is ready to face Pakistan with great confidence in the final match, which will be held at Gaddafi Stadium on October 31st.