Dominance defined England’s performance in Colombo as Joe Root’s unbeaten 111 and Harry Brook’s blistering 136 not out steered them to 357 for 3, followed by a 53-run defense to seal a 2-1 ODI series verdict against Sri Lanka on January 27.
At R. Premadasa, England’s toss-win and bat-first decision hit early bumps with Duckett (7) and Ahmed (24) gone at 40 for 2. Root-Bethell’s 126-run stand revived fortunes, Bethell scoring 65 off 72 (8×4).
Brook’s entry ignited the innings. The duo’s 191-run stand off 113 balls overwhelmed Sri Lanka. Root’s composed 108-ball 111* (9×4, 1×6) paired perfectly with Brook’s 66-ball 136* (11×4, 9×6).
Sri Lanka leaked runs, their trio of de Silva, Hasaranga, and Vandersay taking single wickets each.
Target 358 proved too steep; Sri Lanka folded at 304 in 46.4. Nissanka’s 50 (25 balls, fireworks included) and Mishara’s 22 started brightly (48-run stand), but Rathnayake’s lone 121 (115 balls) couldn’t bridge the gap.
England’s multi-pronged attack shone: twin hauls from Overton, Dawson, Jacks, Rashid (2 each), plus Curran’s wicket.
Series context: Sri Lanka drew first blood by 19 runs, England leveled by five wickets. With T20Is looming from January 30 to February 3, both sides gear up for shorter formats.