England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Highlights: England win series 2-1

England sealed the series 2-1 with a commanding 53-run victory over Sri Lanka in the series decider at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. 

After being on the back foot following their first ODI defeat and having lost 12 consecutive ODI games prior to this series. Sri Lanka won the first ODI comfortably with a strong all-round performance, but England bounced back emphatically in the second game with Root’s measured 75 guiding a tricky chase. 

In the decider, after winning the toss and opting to bat, England’s middle order dominated with Joe Root crafting an elegant 111 not out, Jacob Bethell contributing 65, and Harry Brook producing a breathtaking 136* off just 66 balls to propel England to 357/3. 

Despite Pathum Nissanka’s explosive 50 and Pavan Rathnayake’s maiden century (121), Sri Lanka’s regular wicket losses meant they fell short at 304 in 46.4 overs.

England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Match Summary

1st Innings: England’s Batting Masterclass

England started cautiously on a slowish surface, managing just 40 runs in the first powerplay. The innings gained momentum through Jacob Bethell (65 off 72) and Joe Root (111* off 108), who added a crucial 105-run partnership for the third wicket. Root displayed his trademark class with sweeps and reverse sweeps, reaching his 20th ODI century.

The real fireworks began when Harry Brook arrived in the 32nd over. Brook produced a breathtaking knock, dismantling the Sri Lankan attack with extraordinary strokeplay. His inside-out shots over extra cover were sublime, and he effortlessly cleared boundaries at will. Brook’s innings featured powerful pulls and reached his third ODI hundred in spectacular fashion, finishing with 136* off just 66 balls. The Brook-Root partnership was devastating, adding 181 runs as England posted their highest ODI total in Sri Lanka at 357/3.

2nd Innings: Sri Lanka’s Brave But Insufficient Chase

Sri Lanka launched their chase aggressively with Kamil Mishara (22 off 17) and Pathum Nissanka (50 off 25) providing a blistering start. Nissanka was particularly destructive, smashing 5 fours and 3 sixes to race to his fifty. The hosts reached 100 in just the 10th over, raising hopes of an improbable chase.

However, England struck back with crucial wickets. Will Jacks dismissed Mishara, while Jamie Overton removed the dangerous Nissanka immediately after his fifty. The middle order struggled despite starts from Kusal Mendis (20), Dhananjaya (9), and Asalanka (13) – three dismissals were notably soft.

Pavan Rathnayake stood tall with a magnificent maiden ODI century, scoring 121 off 115 balls with 12 fours and 1 six. Promoted to number four, he displayed remarkable composure and intelligent strokeplay. He found brief support from Dunith Wellalage (22) in a 50-run partnership, but wickets kept falling at the other end.

Despite Rathnayake’s heroics helping Sri Lanka past 300, the lack of substantial partnerships proved costly. Sam Curran ended the chase with a perfect yorker that bowled Rathnayake in the 47th over. England’s spinners – Rashid, Dawson, and Jacks – maintained consistent pressure on the turning surface.

Harry Brook’s sensational 136* will be remembered as one of the great ODI knocks, while Pavan Rathnayake’s maiden century was a proud moment for Sri Lanka despite the series defeat. Joe Root has been named the man of the series for his performance throughout the series.