Root, Brook Power England to Series-Winning Victory Over Sri Lanka in Colombo

Brilliant centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook propelled England to a commanding 53-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final One Day International at Colombo, sealing the three-match ODI series 2–1 in emphatic fashion.

After opting to bat first, England recovered from an early setback to post a formidable 357 for 3, a total that proved beyond Sri Lanka despite a valiant century from Pawan Ratnayake in the chase.

Early Wobbles, Solid Recovery

England’s innings got off to a shaky start as openers Ben Duckett (7) and Rehan Ahmed (24) were dismissed within the first 11 overs. The visitors were then steadied by the experienced Joe Root, who stitched together a crucial 126-run partnership for the third wicket with Jacob Bethell.

Bethell played a composed knock of 65 runs before departing, setting the stage for a breathtaking display of power-hitting from England’s captain.

Brook’s Blitz Meets Root’s Masterclass

Walking in after Bethell’s dismissal, Harry Brook launched a ferocious assault on the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Brook smashed a career-best 136 off just 66 balls, an innings laced with 11 fours and nine towering sixes.

At the other end, Root showcased trademark composure and class, remaining unbeaten on 111 from 108 deliveries. The duo added an unbroken 191-run partnership off 113 balls, lifting England to an imposing 357/3 at the end of 50 overs.

Ratnayake’s Lone Fight in Vain

Chasing a daunting target of 358, Sri Lanka began aggressively, with Pathum Nissanka racing to a half-century off just 24 balls before being dismissed by Jamie Overton, halting the hosts’ momentum.

Sri Lanka then lost wickets at regular intervals, with captain Charith Asalanka (13) and Janith Liyanage (22) failing to build substantial partnerships. At one stage, the hosts were struggling at 202 for 6, staring at a heavy defeat.

However, young batter Pawan Ratnayake stood tall amid the collapse, scoring his maiden ODI century. His superb 121-run knock kept Sri Lanka in the contest briefly, but a lack of support from the other end proved costly.

England Seal the Series

Ratnayake’s resistance finally ended when Sam Curran bowled him, and Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 304, falling short by 53 runs.

With this victory, England clinched the ODI series 2–1, completing a strong comeback after losing the opening match. The performance underlined England’s batting depth and resilience, while Sri Lanka will take heart from the emergence of Ratnayake despite the series loss.