Harry Brook smashed a blistering 136 not out and Joe Root made an unbeaten 111 as England beat Sri Lanka by 53 runs in Colombo to clinch the three-match ODI series 2-1. It was England's first ODI series win in their last eight attempts, a much-needed boost after the Ashes defeat.
The Yorkshire duo added 191 runs for the third wicket, lifting England to 357 for three — the highest total at the R Premadasa Stadium since October 2018. Root's 20th ODI century laid the platform, while Brook launched nine sixes in a stunning display, reaching his century off 66 balls and blasting 130 runs from the final ten overs.
Brook, who apologised for an off-field incident in New Zealand before the tour, said he felt lucky to still be captain. The win also provided relief for head coach Brendon McCullum, who faced criticism after England's recent white-ball struggles.
In reply, Sri Lanka's openers took 48 off the first five overs, but regular wickets halted their charge. Pavan Rathnayake's maiden international century of 121 kept hopes alive, but he was the last man out as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 304 with 3.2 overs remaining.
England now head to Pallekele for a three-match T20 series beginning on Friday.
