CricBengal.com | Cricket Desk
Ben Duckett produced a magnificent innings of 167 to power England to 386 for five against Sri Lanka in the Pakistan ODI tri-series on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Batting first at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, England built their imposing total through major partnerships involving Duckett, Tom Banton and captain Harry Brook.
Duckett’s career-best ODI score was the centrepiece of an innings that also established a new highest team total in a one-day international at the Lahore venue. England finished their 50 overs with a commanding score, although they had already been eliminated from contention for the tournament final.
Duckett Leads England’s Explosive Start
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl, but England’s opening pair quickly took control. Duckett and Tom Banton attacked the bowling and put together a partnership of 163 runs for the first wicket.
Banton scored 74 from 75 deliveries, striking eight fours and two sixes before his innings ended. His contribution gave England a strong platform and allowed Duckett to continue batting aggressively at the other end.
Duckett reached his half-century from 46 balls and then accelerated towards a century. He brought up his hundred from 89 deliveries, maintaining pressure on the Sri Lankan attack with precise strokeplay and frequent boundaries.
The left-hander eventually departed for 167 from 132 balls. His innings included 24 fours and no sixes, demonstrating how consistently he found the boundary without relying on aerial shots. It was his highest score in ODI cricket.
A Key Partnership with Harry Brook
After Banton’s dismissal, England captain Harry Brook joined Duckett at the crease. The pair added 107 runs for the second wicket, further strengthening England’s position.
Brook scored 44 from 34 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. The partnership carried England beyond 250 and put the innings firmly on course for a huge total.
Duckett was dismissed with England at 301 for three in the 42nd over. His departure did not halt the scoring rate, as the middle order continued to attack during the final overs.
Will Jacks contributed 30 from 21 deliveries, while Jordan Cox made 43 from 27 balls. Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 21 from just 12 deliveries, helping England finish on 386 for five.
New ODI Record at Gaddafi Stadium
England’s total became the highest in a one-day international at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, surpassing the previous venue record of 375.
The innings reflected both the quality of England’s batting and the difficulty Sri Lanka faced in containing the scoring. The visitors struggled to break partnerships consistently, allowing England to maintain momentum through much of the innings.
Asitha Fernando was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler, taking two wickets. Dasun Shanaka, Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka claimed one wicket each.
Malinga, however, had an expensive outing as England continued to score freely. The final total left Sri Lanka facing a target of 387 to win.
Duckett Continues His Strong Series
Duckett’s performance was particularly significant because it followed his century against Pakistan earlier in the tournament. His 167 against Sri Lanka marked his second consecutive hundred in the series.
His ability to find gaps and punish short deliveries was central to England’s success. Rather than relying on sixes, Duckett scored through 24 fours, using placement and timing to keep the scoreboard moving.
The innings also highlighted the value of partnerships in ODI cricket. Banton’s strong start and Brook’s support allowed Duckett to build a major score without England losing momentum after the opening wicket.
Despite the individual achievement, England’s broader campaign has been disappointing. The team had already lost its chance to reach the final after a series of defeats. A strong performance in the final group match offered an opportunity to finish the tournament on a more positive note.
Sri Lanka Face a Challenging Chase
England’s total left Sri Lanka needing 387 runs for victory. However, the target could not be considered impossible given Sri Lanka’s earlier performance in the tournament, when they successfully chased 430 against England.
That previous run chase demonstrated the batting depth available to Sri Lanka and underlined why England could not afford to relax despite posting a large total.
At the time of the latest live reports available for this article, Sri Lanka’s innings was still in progress. The final result is therefore not stated here without confirmation.
CricBengal Analysis
Duckett’s 167 gave England the foundation for a formidable total, while the partnerships with Banton and Brook ensured that the innings maintained its momentum. The new venue record was an important achievement, but the ultimate outcome depended on England’s bowling performance.
Against a side that had already completed a remarkable 430-run chase in the same tournament, England needed early wickets and disciplined bowling to defend 386. Duckett’s innings was outstanding, but the match remained a test of the entire team.
Sources: Dawn, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), The Guardian.
Dawn — Duckett’s best lifts England to 386-5
Pakistan Cricket Board — England vs Sri Lanka Scorecard
The Guardian — Sri Lanka vs England Live Report
Published by: CricBengal.com
