Joe Root and Harry Brook’s historic unbeaten partnership of 191 runs lit up Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, powering England to a 53-run victory in the third ODI and a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka. The January 27 clash showcased England’s depth in white-ball cricket.
Batting first post-toss, England overcame a precarious 40 for 2—losing Ben Duckett (7) and Rehan Ahmed (24)—thanks to Root and Jacob Bethell’s 126-run rescue act. Bethell’s 65 (72 balls, 8 fours) was a highlight before Brook arrived.
The captain’s arrival sparked a run-fest. Root (111* off 108, 9×4, 1×6) and Brook (136* off 66, 11×4, 9×6) ensured 357 for 3, leaving Sri Lanka shell-shocked. Only three wickets fell to de Silva, Hasaranga, and Vandersay.
In reply, Sri Lanka managed 304 in 46.4 overs despite Pavan Rathnayake’s marathon 121 (115 balls, 12×4, 1×6). Openers Nissanka (50 off 25, 5×4, 3×6) and Mishara (22) added 48, but momentum slipped away.
England’s bowling attack was relentless. Overton, Dawson, Jacks, and Rashid bagged two scalps each, Curran one, dismantling the hosts comprehensively.
The series had been tightly poised: Sri Lanka’s opener win by 19 runs, England’s second by five wickets. This triumph cements England’s resurgence. Upcoming T20 series from January 30 promises more excitement between these rivals.