England’s openers dominated Sri Lanka’s bowlers in Thursday’s dead-rubber tri-series match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, with Ben Duckett unbeaten on 158 as England reached 295 for 2 during the afternoon. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, but Duckett and Tom Banton put on a 163-run opening stand before Banton fell.
The result cannot change the final: Pakistan and Sri Lanka had already qualified for Saturday’s final on 31 October at the same ground, after Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets on Tuesday, bowling the hosts out for just 110. England, who lost all three of their earlier matches, were already eliminated.
For England, the innings is a chance to finish a disappointing campaign with a win and some confidence before their tour of Australia, starting 13 November. For Sri Lanka, the match is a final chance to test bowling combinations before Saturday’s rematch with Pakistan.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, 24NewsHD. Written in our own words for information only.