England completed a strong comeback in the final match of their three‑game ODI series in Colombo, beating Sri Lanka by 53 runs to secure a 2–1 series victory. It was a defining performance in the decider, powered by match‑winning centuries from Harry Brook and Joe Root, with Sri Lanka’s young batter Pavan Rathnayake also scoring a hundred in a losing cause.
After losing the first ODI of the series, England responded with authority. Winning the toss in the third game, they elected to bat and put up a commanding total of 357 for 3 in their 50 overs. Captain Harry Brook led the charge with a brutal, unbeaten 136 off just 66 balls, dominating the latter half of the innings with a remarkable strike rate and showcasing his ability to accelerate at pace. At the other end, Joe Root anchored the innings with a poised 111 not out, bringing up his 20th ODI century as he guided England through the middle overs with patience and precision. The pair shared an unbroken partnership of 191 runs, turning what could have been a challenging target into a daunting one for the hosts.
England’s innings had its early hiccups, losing a couple of quick wickets in the powerplay, but Root and Jacob Bethell steadied the ship with a crucial partnership that set the platform for Brook’s explosive finish. Root’s century came at a steady pace, combining classic timing with smart shot selection, while Brook’s assault in the death overs ensured England reached a total rarely seen on this Sri Lankan surface. The hosts went into the break with plenty to chase, but it was always going to be tough against such a huge score.
Sri Lanka began their response with intent, and Pavan Rathnayake was the star of their innings. The young batter played a mature and powerful knock, scoring 121 off 115 balls — his maiden ODI hundred — and kept Sri Lanka competitive for much of the chase. He found support from Pathum Nissanka, who scored a brisk 50, but England’s bowlers made crucial breakthroughs at defining moments, preventing any substantial partnerships from pinning the visitors back within reach of the target.
England’s disciplined bowling effort was led by a mix of seam and spin, with key wickets coming at times that kept the pressure on throughout Sri Lanka’s innings. As Rathnayake’s innings unfolded, England chipped away at the other end, ensuring Sri Lanka never fully regained control. In the end, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 304 in the 47th over, falling short by 53 runs.
The win marked England’s first away ODI series victory in nearly three years, snapping Sri Lanka’s long unbeaten home run in bilateral ODI series. It was a statement performance from England’s batting lineup, with two of the sport’s most accomplished batters in Brook and Root firing when it mattered most. For Sri Lanka, the emergence of Rathnayake provided a major positive, even if the overall result went against them.
Overall, the third ODI was a thrilling finish to an entertaining series, with England’s depth and experience proving decisive. As the teams now turn their focus to an imminent T20 series and future international commitments, this result will be remembered for its standout individual performances and the way England rallied to clinch victory on foreign soil.
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