Brook, Root centuries power England to 53-run win, seal ODI series against Sri Lanka
Harry Brook and Joe Root smashed contrasting centuries as England overcame Sri Lanka by 53 runs to clinch the three-match ODI series 2-1 on Tuesday. Brook was devastating, remaining unbeaten on 136 off 66 balls with nine sixes and 11 fours, while Root followed up his second ODI half-century with 111 off 108 balls, helping England reach 357-3.
Sri Lanka fought back through Pavan Rathnayake, who made 121 off 115 balls, but the hosts were bowled out for 304 in the 47th over. “Working on a few things in the nets really paid off,” said Brook. “Root is exceptional—having him in the side helps every day.”
Spinners were crucial again for England, with Will Jacks (2-43), Liam Dawson (2-48), and Adil Rashid (2-61) sharing six wickets. The win marked England’s first major ODI series triumph abroad since 2023, while Sri Lanka suffered their first home series loss in five years.
After England stumbled to 40-2 in the 11th over, Root and Jacob Bethell steadied the innings. Bethell scored 65, sharing a 126-run third-wicket stand with Root. Brook’s brutal assault in the final overs, part of a 191-run partnership with Root off 113 balls, ultimately blew the game open.
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay struggled, conceding 76 runs each in their 10-over spells, while fast bowler Asitha Fernando gave away 77 runs in nine overs. Opener Rehan Ahmed (24) and Ben Duckett (7) fell cheaply, though Pathum Nissanka hit a rapid 50 off 25 balls.
Rathnayake showed promise, hitting 12 fours and a six before Sam Curran bowled him with a perfect yorker.
“Disappointing result,” said Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka. “The positive is finding a good player at No. 4 in Rathnayake. We planned for turn with multiple spinners, but when it didn’t come, it was tough to bowl spin.”
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