In Colombo on January 27, England secured a 53-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third and deciding one-day international cricket match to clinch the three match series 2-1 against the hosts. The match took place at the R Premadasa Stadium and saw standout batting performances from England’s Joe Root and captain Harry Brook. 
England batted first and posted a commanding total of 357 for 3, with Root scoring an unbeaten 111 and Brook smashing an extraordinary 136 not out, his highest ODI score, including boundaries and powerful sixes to accelerate the innings. Veteran Jacob Bethell also contributed a solid 65 runs to the total. 
In response, Sri Lanka fought back with a spirited innings that included a maiden century from Pavan Rathnayake (121) and a quick fifty from Pathum Nissanka, but they were eventually dismissed for 304 runs. England’s bowlers including Liam Dawson and Will Jacks made timely breakthroughs to stifle the chase. 
The victory marked England’s first overseas ODI series win in nearly three years and showcased a remarkable batting display from their top order. Brook was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings, while Root’s consistency continued to underline his importance to England’s limited overs squad.
Leave a comment