Harry Brook's unbeaten 136 off 66 balls powered England to a 53-run victory in the deciding one-day international in Colombo, securing a first ODI series victory abroad in three years. His innings, featuring nine sixes and eleven fours, overshadowed Joe Root's 20th ODI century, while Jacob Bethell's 65 proved a valuable cameo.
England, having lost the toss in their previous six ODIs, finally won it and elected to bat. They slipped to 40 for two inside 11 overs, but Root and Bethell steadied the innings with a 126-run stand. Root reached his century, his third in ODIs in Sri Lanka, as he continued his prolific form in the country.
Brook arrived with less than 19 overs remaining and initially supported Root before launching a stunning assault. He brought up his half-century off 40 balls, then took just 17 more deliveries to complete his third ODI hundred. His final flurry helped England post 358, their highest total away from home.
Sri Lanka's chase began aggressively, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis taking the attack to Jamie Overton in the powerplay. However, Overton claimed both key wickets, and despite Pavan Rathnayake's defiant maiden international century, Sri Lanka fell short. Rathnayake was the last wicket to fall as England celebrated their series win.
