England capped off a rollercoaster ODI series in Colombo with a decisive 53-run win over Sri Lanka in the third match, wrapping up the contest 2-1. Harry Brook’s sensational unbeaten 136 stole the show, complementing Joe Root’s steady 111 not out to set an imposing 357 for 3.
The match at R. Premadasa Stadium saw England, after calling correctly at the toss, face early jolts. Ben Duckett (7) and Rehan Ahmed (24) returned cheaply, slumping the scoreboard to 40 for 2.
Joe Root and Jacob Bethell then scripted a recovery with 126 runs for the third wicket. Bethell departed after a brisk 65 (72 balls, 8×4), paving the way for skipper Brook to unleash havoc alongside Root.
Their 191-run unbroken alliance off just 113 balls demolished the Sri Lankan attack. Root’s 108-ball vigil yielded 111 (9×4, 1×6), while Brook’s 66-ball carnage featured 11 boundaries and nine maximums for 136 not out.
Bowling duties were shared minimally by Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Jeffrey Vandersay (1-1 wickets each).
Sri Lanka’s pursuit ended in heartbreak at 304 in 46.4 overs. Pathum Nissanka’s 50 (25 balls, 5×4, 3×6) and Kamil Mishara’s 22 offered hope in a 48-run opening stand. Pavan Rathnayake’s gritty 121 (115 balls, 12×4, 1×6) stood out, but the middle order faltered.
England’s seamers and spinners dominated: Jamie Overton (2), Liam Dawson (2), Will Jacks (2), Adil Rashid (2), and Sam Curran (1) shared the spoils.
After splitting the first two games—Sri Lanka by 19 runs, England by five wickets—this decider belonged to the visitors. The focus now turns to three T20s starting January 30.