England dominated day one of the crucial third ODI against Sri Lanka, rattling up 357/3 after electing to bat. Centurions Joe Root and Harry Brook starred in a clinical performance that has put the hosts under immense pressure in Colombo.
Early setbacks saw England slip to 40/2 with Duckett (7) and Ahmed (24) back in the hut. Root then marshalled the recovery alongside Bethell, whose 72-ball 65 featuring 8 fours formed a 126-run platform by the 166-run mark.
The real fireworks erupted with Brook’s arrival. His unbeaten 136 off 66 balls – boasting 11 fours and 9 sixes – included a swift fifty in 40 balls and his third ODI hundred in 57. Paired with Root’s unbeaten 111 (108 balls, 9×4, 1×6), their 191-run stand in 18.5 overs catapulted England to a towering score.
Root’s milestone 20th ODI century highlighted his enduring brilliance. Sri Lanka’s bowlers were hammered: Fernando (77/9), Hasaranga (76/10), Vandersay (76/10) all expensive, while Liyanage impressed with 7/3.
Level at 1-1, this match could define the series. England’s batting depth and aggression have shifted momentum firmly their way. Sri Lanka must summon a special effort to chase 358 on a pitch offering little assistance to bowlers. The stage is set for an epic battle.