England beat Sri Lanka by 55 runs in tri-series match
England defeated Sri Lanka by 55 runs after posting 386 for five, with Duckett making 167. Brendon McCullum praised Harry Brook's tactical leadership during the match.
England posted 386 for five in the Pakistan tri-series match at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday and defended the total to beat Sri Lanka by 55 runs. Ben Duckett scored 167 from 132 balls, supported by Tom Banton with 74 and Harry Brook with 44, while Liam Dawson took four for 49 to restrict Sri Lanka to 331. Pavan Rathnayake made 118 and Kusal Mendis added 89, but the visitors fell short after 45.1 overs.
England coach Brendon McCullum said Harry Brook learned a lot from captaining the side and called him one of the best tactical captains he has encountered. Brook led England in the absence of the regular captain during the tri-series.
England must beat Sri Lanka in their remaining group fixture to keep alive any chance of reaching the final. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet in the decider on Saturday.
CricHubb Take
England's 386 for five marks their second-highest total in this tri-series, showing that the batting order can post imposing scores when the middle order receives starts from the openers.