youssef_itani
Joe Root and captain Harry Brook fired unbeaten centuries as England beat Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the third one-day international and secure a first away ODI series victory in nearly three years.
England recovered from a slow start and slipping to 40-2 to post 357-3 after winning the toss and electing to bat, with Jacob Bethell (65) and Root rebuilding the innings before Brook’s explosive finish.
Root followed half-centuries in the first two ODIs by scoring an unbeaten 111, his 20th ODI century, while Brook smashed 20 boundaries – including nine sixes – and posted his highest ODI score for England with 136 from just 66 deliveries.
Joe Root finished as the highest scorer of the series, with an unbeaten century following 50s in the first two matches
The pair’s unbroken 191-run partnership from 118 deliveries left Sri Lanka requiring their biggest successful run chase in ODI history, with home hopes quickly fading when Pathum Nissanka (50) fell after a 24-ball half century to leave them 94-3.
Pavan Rathnayake produced a brilliant maiden ODI century but was bowled by Sam Curran for 121, the final wicket to fall, as two wickets apiece from Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid helped England dismiss the hosts for 304 in 46.4 overs and complete a 2-1 series win.
England’s Jamie Overton claimed two wickets during his opening spell
Back-to-back ODI wins – having previously been on an 11-game losing streak on the road – completes a first away series success in the 50-over format for England since beating Bangladesh in March 2023.
More to follow…
England in Sri Lanka – results and fixtures
All times UK and Ireland
- First ODI (January 22, Colombo) – Sri Lanka win by 19 runs
- Second ODI (Saturday January 24) – England win by five wickets
- Third ODI (Tuesday January 27) – Colombo (9am)
- First T20 (Friday January 30) – Pallekele (1.30pm)
- Second T20 (Sunday February 1) – Pallekele (1.30pm)
- Third T20 (Tuesday February 3) – Pallekele (1.30pm)
