Root and Brook’s Centuries Secure Series Victory for England Against Sri Lanka

In Colombo on Tuesday, centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook propelled England to a 53-run win over Sri Lanka, clinching a 2-1 series win in the One-Day International showdown.

England, opting to bat first, faced early setbacks when Ben Duckett (7) and Rehan Ahmed (24) were dismissed within the opening 11 overs. However, Joe Root and Jacob Bethell stabilized the innings, putting together a well-composed 126-run partnership for the third wicket.

Bethell’s steady innings of 65 came to an end when Jeffrey Vandersay made the breakthrough, but Root found an ideal ally in captain Brook. The duo accelerated the innings, crafting an unbeaten 191-run partnership from just 113 balls, transforming England’s position from competitive to commanding.

Brook delivered an ODI career-best of 136 off 66 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and nine sixes, while Root remained composed with an unbeaten 111 off 108 balls. This effort led England to an imposing total of 357 for three.

Sri Lanka’s chase began positively with contributions from Kamil Mishara (22) and Pathum Nissanka, who hit a rapid 24-ball fifty featuring five fours and three sixes before being dismissed by Jamie Overton, which slowed the momentum.

As England maintained pressure with disciplined bowling, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka (13) and Janith Liyanage (22) fell with little impact. The host team was reduced to 202 for six by the 32nd over. Despite Pavan Rathnayake’s resilient maiden ODI century (121), consistent loss of wickets hampered their chase.

Rathnayake’s valiant effort ended when Sam Curran breached his defence, knocking back his leg stump, as Sri Lanka was bowled out for 304.

After Sri Lanka’s 19-run win in the first ODI, England balanced the series with a five-wicket victory, eventually securing the series win. Attention now shifts to the three-match Twenty20 series starting on Friday.