Third one-day international, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
England 357-3 (50 overs): Brook 136* (66), Root 111* (108), Bethell 65 (72)
Sri Lanka 304 (46.4 overs): Rathnayake 121 (115), Nissanka 50 (25); Jacks 2-43
England won by 53 runs; win three-match series 2-1
England produced a statement performance in Colombo as Harry Brook and Joe Root struck unbeaten centuries to defeat Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the third ODI and clinch a 2–1 series victory — their first away series success in the format in almost three years and the hosts’ first home ODI series defeat in five.
After winning the toss, Brook elected to bat on a surface that again offered little pace early on. England’s decision looked risky when Ben Duckett fell cheaply and makeshift opener Rehan Ahmed followed soon after, leaving the visitors on 40 for two inside 11 overs.
Root restored calm immediately. Compact, precise and endlessly patient, he rebuilt the innings alongside Jacob Bethell, whose fluent 65 provided momentum without risk. Their third-wicket stand of 126 changed the tempo of the match and dragged England into a position of control rather than survival.
Once Bethell fell, Brook transformed the contest. Initially measured, the England captain soon exploded, targeting the short boundaries and dismantling Sri Lanka’s death bowling with brutal strokes over extra cover and deep mid-wicket. His acceleration turned a solid platform into a towering total.
Brook reached his hundred from just 57 balls and finished unbeaten on 136, striking eleven fours and nine sixes, while Root completed his 20th ODI century with a composed 111 not out. Their unbroken partnership of 191 from 118 deliveries carried England to 357 for three — the highest ODI total by an away side at the venue and the biggest score recorded there since 2018.
Brook marked his century with a playful celebration inspired by wrestler “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, mimicking the smashing of cans — a light-hearted moment that contrasted sharply with the discipline of his innings and symbolised his resurgence after a turbulent winter.
Sri Lanka began their chase in thrilling fashion. Pathum Nissanka tore into the new ball, racing to a 24-ball half-century as the hosts surged to 104 inside the powerplay. Will Jacks struck the first blow by removing Mishara at 48 for one, but Nissanka and Kusal Mendis continued to attack before Jamie Overton later dismissed both batters to halt the momentum.
However, wickets at regular intervals halted the momentum. England’s spinners seized control through the middle overs. Will Jacks, Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid varied pace and flight expertly, exploiting the slowing surface and forcing errors from batters trying to maintain the asking rate.
Pavan Rathnayake produced a superb maiden international century, batting with composure and clarity under pressure to reach 121. Yet with little support at the other end, the target steadily drifted out of reach. His resistance finally ended when Sam Curran uprooted his middle stump with a full yorker in the 47th over, sealing England’s victory.
Sri Lanka were dismissed for 304, falling short despite their explosive start and Rathnayake’s brilliance.
For England, the match offered a blueprint for modern ODI success: Root’s control and tempo-setting providing the foundation, followed by Brook’s power and innovation at the death. The win not only secured a rare overseas series triumph but also ended Sri Lanka’s 12-series unbeaten home run in the format — a result that may resonate well beyond this tour.
