England roared back into contention with a 5-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday, leveling their ODI series 1-1 courtesy of Joe Root’s sublime 75. The rubber’s finale on January 27 at the same venue now holds all the tension.
Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first backfired spectacularly. Dismissing Kamil Mishara for 5 early, England had them at 16/1. Nissanka and Mendis clawed back 42 runs, scoring 26 each, but momentum swung back.
The middle order’s best effort was de Silva and Asalanka’s 66-run stand, reaching 134/3. De Silva (40 off 59, 4×4) and Asalanka (45) fought hard, with Rathnayake (29) and Wellalage (20) adding late runs. Bowled out for 219, it was below par.
Overton, Rashid, and Root’s dual-wicket hauls dominated, backed by Dawson, Jacks, and Ahmed. England’s spin and seam complemented perfectly.
Target in sight, England shed Rehan Ahmed at 20. Duckett-Root’s 68-run rescue act followed, Duckett making 39. Bethell’s 6 left them 97/3.
Root’s mastery shone with Brook, piling 81 runs. His 75 (90b, 5×4) was innings-defining; Brook’s 42 ended soon after. Buttler’s explosive 33* (21b, 4×4) clinched it in 46.2 overs.
De Silva and Vandersay struck twice each for the hosts, Fernando once. Root’s all-round display and team’s resilience signal a fierce series decider ahead.