England produced a dominant all-round efficiency to defeat Sri Lanka by 53 runs within the third ODI on the R. Premadasa Stadium, sealing the collection in emphatic vogue. A panoramic unbeaten century from Harry Brook and a masterful knock by Joe Root powered England to a formidable complete of 357 for 3, which proved past Sri Lanka’s attain regardless of a spirited chase.
Brook was named Participant of the Match for his extraordinary show of power-hitting that turned the competition decisively in England’s favour.
England submit large 357 on the again of Brook-Root partnership
After profitable the toss and opting to bat, England endured a cautious begin, dropping Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed cheaply. The innings was then rebuilt expertly by Root and Jacob Bethell, who added a useful 126-run stand to stabilize England.
The turning level got here when Brook joined Root on the crease. The duo unleashed an astonishing 191-run partnership for the fourth wicket, fully dismantling the Sri Lankan bowling assault. Root anchored the innings with a elegant unbeaten 111 off 108 balls, showcasing trademark class and management.
Brook, nevertheless, stole the highlight with a ferocious unbeaten 136 from simply 66 deliveries, putting 11 fours and 9 sixes at a staggering strike fee above 200. His assault in the course of the remaining 15 overs propelled England to 357 for 3, considered one of their most imposing totals in Asia.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers discovered little respite on batting floor. Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay had been taken aside, conceding 76 runs of their quota of 10 overs. Solely Dunith Wellalage managed to maintain issues comparatively tight, however the lack of wickets allowed England’s batters to attain runs freely.
Pavan Rathnayake’s century goes in useless as England limit Sri Lanka for 304
Chasing 358, Sri Lanka started positively with Pathum Nissanka racing to 50 at a brisk tempo. Contributions from Kusal Mendis and Kamil Mishara saved Sri Lanka in contact in the course of the early overs, however common wickets halted momentum.
Captain Charith Asalanka struggled to transform his begin, whereas middle-order partnerships failed to achieve traction. Regardless of an excellent century from Pavan Rathnayake (121 off 115), the required fee continued to climb.
Sri Lanka had been finally bowled out for 304 in 46.4 overs, falling quick regardless of a combating show.
Additionally READ: SL vs ENG – Fans erupt as Joe Root’s 20th ODI century lights up R. Premadasa Stadium in the series decider
England’s bowlers shared the workload effectively. Jamie Overton struck early, whereas Adil Rashid supplied breakthroughs within the center overs.
Help additionally got here from Will Jacks and Liam Dawson, who picked up well timed wickets to make sure Sri Lanka by no means totally threatened England’s benefit.
England received the ODI collection decider by 53 runs https://t.co/OTrZyVPwoJ#cricket #SLvENG #3rdODI pic.twitter.com/iozdb2Nqc2
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 27, 2026
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