Harry Brook’s unbeaten 136 off just 66 balls powered England to a 53-run victory over Sri Lanka in the deciding one-day international, sealing their first ODI series win abroad in three years. The England captain’s innings, featuring nine sixes and 11 fours, overshadowed Joe Root’s 20th ODI century and Jacob Bethell’s 65 as the tourists posted a formidable 358.
In reply, Sri Lanka made a rapid start, reaching 100 inside 10 overs as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis attacked the bowling. However, both fell to catches, and regular wickets prevented any sustained partnerships. Pavan Rathnayake, playing only his seventh international, provided late resistance with a maiden century, but his dismissal was the final wicket as England sealed the win.
England’s innings had begun uncertainly, slipping to 40 for two inside 11 overs after Brook finally won a toss following six consecutive losses. Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed fell cheaply, but Root and Bethell stabilised the innings with a 126-run stand. Root’s century was marked by his trademark shrug, while Bethell displayed a range of strokes before falling for 65.
Brook arrived with less than 19 overs remaining and initially supported Root before launching a brutal assault. He reached his half-century off 40 balls and his third ODI century just 17 deliveries later, finishing with a six over cover. England’s total was their highest away from home, and Sri Lanka’s chase ultimately fell short despite Rathnayake’s heroics.
