England are still looking for a win in this triangular tournament, but they will dine at the break confident (ish) that they’ve got enough for Sri Lanka this time, thanks to a tip-top 167 from Ben Duckett, his highest ODI score.
Commentators observed that batting conditions were less favorable than in the previous high-scoring match exceeding 800 runs, though Nasser noted the absence of swing and seam movement after the opening two overs.
Duckett later executed a one-handed pull shot that bounced just before the rope, followed by another pull behind square off Eshan for four more runs.
During the innings, Shanaka delivered the sixth over, which saw Jacks drive the ball down the ground for four before dispatching the next delivery square past two fielders on the rope.
England seek their first victory in the triangular series and hold confidence at the interval that their total will prove sufficient to defeat Sri Lanka.
Duckett continued to find gaps, including a pull shot off Asitha for four as England safely completed five easy singles.
Shanaka conceded only three singles from the first three deliveries of the over before Duckett struck the fourth ball to the boundary.
Commentators also noted Duckett's physical endurance and fitness, observing him still smiling after 39 overs when he swept Wellalage for another boundary.
Fair play to Duckett, he’s shown excellent endurance and fitness both today and in the last match, still grinning after 39 overs as he sweeps Wellalage for yet another boundary.