Harry Brook and Joe Root struck unbeaten centuries as England defeated Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the third ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday, sealing a 2–1 series victory.
Harry Brook and Joe Root struck commanding centuries as England clinched a 53-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium, sealing the series 2–1 and ending a three-year wait for an overseas bilateral ODI series win.
Brook, who had attracted attention before the match with his criticism of the pitch, responded emphatically with the bat. The England captain produced a blistering unbeaten 136 off 66 balls, showcasing fearless strokeplay to propel England to a formidable 357 for 3.
England’s innings began on an uncertain note with Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed falling early, leaving the visitors at 40 for 2 inside 11 overs. Sri Lanka briefly sensed an opening before Root stepped in to steady proceedings. The former captain compiled a composed 111 not out from 108 deliveries, anchoring the innings through the middle overs.
Root found solid support from Jacob Bethell, who contributed 65 off 72 balls in a vital third-wicket partnership. However, it was Brook who shifted the momentum decisively. The duo of Brook and Root put together an unbeaten 191-run stand for the fourth wicket, with Brook accelerating sharply in the final phase.
Brook reached his half-century in 40 balls before racing to his hundred in just 57 deliveries. England amassed 130 runs in the last ten overs, marking the first time they crossed the 300-run mark in an ODI in Sri Lanka.
Facing a steep chase, Sri Lanka began aggressively. Pathum Nissanka smashed a rapid 50 from 24 balls, while Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis provided brisk cameos as the hosts surged to 85 for 1. The dismissals of Nissanka and Mendis in quick succession, however, slowed their momentum.
The chase was held together by Pavan Rathnayake, who produced a valiant 121 off 115 balls, striking 12 fours and a six. Despite his resistance, England’s spinners tightened their grip during the middle overs. Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, and Liam Dawson shared key wickets, steadily pushing the required rate beyond reach.
Sam Curran sealed the result by dismissing Rathnayake late in the innings, as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 304 in 46.4 overs. The defeat marked Sri Lanka’s first home bilateral ODI series loss in five years.
For England, the win represented a significant milestone under Brook’s leadership, signaling renewed confidence in their white-ball setup ahead of upcoming challenges.
Brief scores:
England 357/3 (Harry Brook 136*, Joe Root 111*)
Sri Lanka 304 (Pavan Rathnayake 121)
England won by 53 runs
