Harry Brook and Joe Root hit contrasting centuries as England thrashed Sri Lanka by 53 runs to clinch the three-match ODI series 2-1 on Tuesday.
Brook was unstoppable, smashing an unbeaten 136 off just 66 balls, including nine sixes and 11 fours. Root complemented him perfectly, scoring 111 off 108 balls after following up his half-century in the second ODI, helping England post a formidable 357-3.
Sri Lanka fought back through Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 121 off 115 balls, but they were eventually bowled out for 304 in the 47th over. “Working on a few things in the nets really paid off,” said Brook. “Glad me, Rooty, and Beth could get us to that total. Root is exceptional—having him in the side helps every day.”
England’s spinners again played a decisive role in the team’s first major ODI series win abroad since 2023. Will Jacks (2-43), Liam Dawson (2-48), and Adil Rashid (2-61) shared six wickets, while Sri Lanka suffered their first home series loss in five years, their last being against India in 2021.
After a shaky start at 40-2 in the 11th over, Root and Jacob Bethell steadied the innings. Bethell scored 65, sharing a 126-run third-wicket partnership with Root. Brook’s late blitz in the final five overs, contributing to a 191-run stand with Root off just 113 deliveries, sealed England’s dominance.
Sri Lanka’s legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay went for 76 runs each in their 10-over quotas, while fast bowler Asitha Fernando conceded 77 runs in nine overs. Opener Rehan Ahmed (24) and Ben Duckett (7) were early casualties, but Pathum Nissanka provided a brisk 50 off 25 balls before falling in the powerplay.
Rathnayake, playing his fourth ODI, showed promise with 12 fours and a six before Sam Curran bowled him with a perfect yorker.
“Disappointing result,” said Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka. “The positive is finding a good player at No. 4 in Rathnayake. We tried three to four spinners expecting turn, but when it didn’t come, it was tough to bowl spin.”
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