In a thrilling finale at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, England clinched the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with a commanding 53-run victory in the decider. Joe Root’s masterful unbeaten century anchored the tourists to a mammoth total, sealing a 2-1 series triumph on January 27.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England posted 357 for 3 in their 50 overs, showcasing batting prowess amid early setbacks. The innings began shakily with Ben Duckett departing for 7 at 19, followed by Rehan Ahmed’s 24 leaving the score at 40 for 2.
Enter Joe Root and Jacob Bethell, who steadied the ship with a crucial 126-run stand for the third wicket. Bethell’s aggressive 65 off 72 balls, laced with eight boundaries, set the tone before he fell.
Captain Harry Brook then joined Root, forging an unbroken 191-run partnership off 113 deliveries that propelled England to a towering score. Root remained not out on 111 from 108 balls, featuring nine fours and a six, while Brook blazed away to an unbeaten 136 off 66 balls, smashing 11 fours and nine sixes.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled, with Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Jeffrey Vandersay claiming one wicket apiece.
Chasing 358, Sri Lanka crumbled to 304 all out in 46.4 overs. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara provided a 48-run start, with Nissanka’s explosive 50 off 25 balls including five fours and three sixes. Mishara made 22.
Pavan Rathnayake fought valiantly with 121 off 115 balls (12 fours, 1 six), but it wasn’t enough as England’s bowlers struck back. Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, and Adil Rashid each grabbed two wickets, with Sam Curran taking one.
This win followed Sri Lanka’s 19-run victory in the opener and England’s five-wicket response in the second. Next up, the teams shift to T20Is from January 30 to February 3.