England secured a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka in the ODI series after a dominant 53-run win in the third match in Colombo. The victory ended Sri Lanka's 12-series unbeaten streak at home in the 50-over format.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Joe Root and Harry Brook anchored England's innings with contrasting centuries, propelling the team to a commanding total of 357-3. Root scored an unbeaten 111 off 108 balls, while Brook smashed a career-best 136 off 66 deliveries. Sri Lanka, in response, fell short at 304 despite a valiant century from Pavan Rathnayake (121).
Deeper Dive & Context
England's Batting Masterclass
England's innings began shakily, losing early wickets from Ben Duckett (7) and Rehan Ahmed (24). However, Root and Jacob Bethell stabilized the innings with a 126-run partnership. Bethell contributed 65 before being dismissed, after which Root and Brook combined for an unbeaten 191-run stand, shifting the momentum decisively in England's favor. Brook's aggressive innings included 11 fours and nine sixes, while Root's composed century provided the foundation.
Sri Lanka's Fightback and Collapse
Sri Lanka started aggressively, scoring 104 runs in the powerplay but losing three wickets. Pathum Nissanka reached a 24-ball fifty before being dismissed for 50. Captain Charith Asalanka (13) and Janith Liyanage (22) fell cheaply, leaving the hosts at 202-6 in the 32nd over. Pavan Rathnayake's maiden ODI century (121 off 104 balls) kept Sri Lanka in the chase, but wickets continued to fall around him. Sam Curran's full delivery dismissed Rathnayake, sealing the victory for England.
Series Context and Implications
The series win is a significant boost for England ahead of the 2027 World Cup, easing concerns about potential qualifying rounds. Sri Lanka had won the first ODI by 19 runs, but England levelled the series with a five-wicket victory in the second match. The third match's high-scoring nature contrasted with the low-scoring first two games, highlighting the pitch's evolving conditions.
The victory also marks the end of Sri Lanka's 12-series unbeaten run at home in ODIs, a streak that had been a point of pride for the hosts. England's all-round performance—both with bat and ball—underscored their dominance in the series finale.