England defeated Sri Lanka by 55 runs in the final league match of the Pakistan-hosted ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, securing their first victory of the tournament after posting a record-breaking total of 386 for five. Chasing a daunting target of 387, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 331 in 45.1 overs despite a magnificent century from Pavan Rathnayake.
Rathnayake top-scored with 118 off just 77 balls, smashing 15 fours and a six. Kusal Mendis contributed 89 off 71 deliveries, while Avishka Fernando scored 48 off 50 balls. Sahan Arachchige added 30 off 24 balls, and Janith Liyanage made 27 off 17 deliveries, but their efforts were not enough to take Sri Lanka across the finish line.
For England, Liam Dawson led the bowling attack with four wickets, while Sonny Baker claimed two. Henry Crocombe and Sam Curran took one wicket apiece.
Earlier, England delivered an outstanding batting performance after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field.
Ben Duckett led the charge with a career-best ODI score of 167 off 132 balls, including 24 fours. His innings laid the foundation for England’s imposing total. Tom Banton scored 74 off 75 deliveries, while captain Harry Brook contributed 44 runs. Jordan Cox struck 43 off 27 balls, Will Jacks made 30 off 21, and Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 21.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando took two wickets, while Dilshan Madushanka, Ishan Malinga and Dasun Shanaka claimed one each.
England scored at a run rate of 7.72, setting a new record for the highest ODI total at Gaddafi Stadium and surpassing Pakistan’s previous mark of 375. The match was effectively a dead rubber, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka having already secured their places in Saturday’s final. England, who had lost their earlier matches in the series, ended their campaign on a winning note.
Sri Lanka had earlier made history in the tournament by chasing down England’s 430-run target, registering the second-highest successful run chase in ODI cricket. However, they could not repeat that remarkable feat in Lahore. England’s victory provided a strong finish to their campaign, while Sri Lanka will now turn their attention to the final against Pakistan.
