England Secure Historic Pakistan Win as Duckett and Dawson Inspire Tri-Series Finale Triumph

England finally found cause for celebration on their tour of Pakistan, overcoming Sri Lanka by 55 runs in the sixth fixture of the 2026 Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, October 29. A majestic century from Ben Duckett and a career-best bowling display from Liam Dawson propelled Harry Brook’s side to a memorable victory to close out a disappointing campaign.

Though England had already been eliminated from final contention following three opening defeats, the result carried significant historical weight. It represented their first ODI triumph on Pakistani soil since December 2005 and offered a timely morale boost ahead of their upcoming white-ball tour of Australia.

Duckett masterclass propels England to record total

After Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis elected to field, England’s openers exploited a batting-friendly surface to full effect. Ben Duckett and Tom Banton laid a formidable foundation, stitching together 163 runs for the first wicket.

Banton compiled a composed 74 from 75 deliveries, striking eight fours and two sixes. Duckett, meanwhile, blended patience with aggressive stroke-play to keep the Sri Lankan attack under relentless pressure.

The left-hander ultimately finished with 167 off 132 balls, peppering the boundary 24 times at a strike rate of 126.52. The knock surpassed his previous ODI best of 165 against Australia at the same venue during the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Duckett reached three figures from 89 balls and accelerated further as the innings progressed. His second consecutive ODI hundred underscored his rich vein of form, though he fell short of becoming the first England batter to register three successive ODI centuries.

Harry Brook contributed a brisk 44 from 34 balls, sharing a 107-run stand with Duckett for the third wicket. Jordan Cox added 43 from 27 deliveries, Will Jacks struck 30 off 21, and Sam Curran finished unbeaten on 21 from just 12 balls.

England eventually posted 386/5, the highest ODI total ever recorded at Gaddafi Stadium.

Rathnayake century keeps Sri Lanka alive

Chasing 387 always demanded an extraordinary batting effort, but Sri Lanka refused to capitulate.

Following the early loss of Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando and captain Kusal Mendis steadied the ship. Fernando made 48 from 50 balls before falling to Dawson, while Mendis produced a counter-attacking 89 off 71 deliveries, featuring eight fours and five sixes.

Pavan Rathnayake then seized control of the chase. Continuing his impressive tournament form, the young batter smashed 118 from just 77 balls, including 15 fours and a six.

His partnership with Mendis kept Sri Lanka within striking distance, and Rathnayake’s sustained aggression briefly raised the spectre of another remarkable pursuit.

However, England struck crucial blows as the required run-rate climbed. Joe Root dismissed Mendis, while Dawson accounted for Rathnayake to claim his second century of the series.

Sri Lanka’s resistance crumbled thereafter, losing their final five wickets for a mere 16 runs to be bowled out for 331.

Dawson spell seals decisive victory

Dawson emerged as England’s standout bowler, returning figures of 4/49 from his ten overs. His haul included the pivotal wickets of Fernando, Dasun Shanaka and Rathnayake, effectively extinguishing Sri Lanka’s hopes.

Sonny Baker chipped in with two wickets, while Root and the remaining bowlers provided able support to wrap up the victory.

Dawson’s intervention proved particularly timely given Sri Lanka had appeared capable of hunting down another imposing total.

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