LAHORE: England openers Ben Duckett and Tom Banton laid the foundation for a massive total of 386-5 against Sri Lanka in the sixth match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, leaving the Lankans with a daunting chase and a question to answer: can they repeat their previous performance?
🤯 Fun fact: Ben Duckett (346) has scored more runs in this tri-series than the five batters Pakistan have used in their top four combined (289).
Saim Ayub (21), Fakhar Zaman (31), Babar Azam (118), Saad Baig (111) and Maaz Sadaqat (8).
England must be scratching their heads, wondering how they missed the final despite putting in such strong batting performances against Sri Lanka and being in winning positions in multiple games.
https://t.co/QZASgWM5yA
— Pavilion Post (@CricinsightsX) October 29, 2026
Duckett smashed a magnificent 167 off 132 balls, hitting 24 fours, while Banton contributed 74 off 75 deliveries, including eight fours and two sixes, as England maintained a scoring rate of 7.72 runs per over.
The opening pair put on a commanding 163-run partnership for the first wicket before Banton was dismissed by Dasun Shanaka in the 25th over.
Duckett leads England’s batting charge
Duckett continued his assault after Banton’s departure, building another substantial partnership with captain Harry Brook, who scored 44 off 34 balls, including three fours and two sixes.
Sri Lanka eventually broke the stand when Brook was caught and bowled by Asitha Fernando at 270-2 in the 38th over.
Duckett fell shortly afterwards, caught by Asitha Fernando off Eshan Malinga for 167, but England showed no signs of slowing down.
Read Also: Pakistan Reach Tri-Series Final, But the Questions at the Top Remain
Will Jacks added 30 off 21 balls, while Jordan Cox struck 43 from just 27 deliveries. Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 21 off 12 balls as England finished their 50 overs at 386-5.
Ben Duckett’s career-best 167 steers England to the highest ODI total at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 🏏
Sri Lanka have been set a target of 387 🎯
#ENGvSL | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/BsPBZfXFop
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 29, 2026
Can Sri Lanka repeat their previous performance?
Sri Lanka face a challenging chase after conceding nearly 400 runs, with England’s top-order dominance putting the visitors under considerable pressure.
Asitha Fernando claimed two wickets for 63 runs, while Eshan Malinga took one wicket but conceded 101 runs in his 10 overs. Dilshan Madushanka and Shanaka also picked up a wicket each.
Sri Lanka will need a strong start from their batters and sustained contributions throughout the innings to challenge England’s imposing total.
🚨ENGLAND POSTED 386/5 AGAINST SRI LANKA🚨
– Another blockbuster clash on the cards. 🥶 https://t.co/MqNPKDZq8I
— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) October 29, 2026
With 387 runs required for victory, the visitors must produce a disciplined batting display and capitalise on any opportunities offered by England’s bowling attack if they are to turn the contest in their favour.
Whether Sri Lanka can reproduce the form that served them well in their previous performance remains the key question as the tri-series encounter moves into its decisive phase.
