England delivered a dominant all-round performance in the England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI, posting 357 for 3 and bowling Sri Lanka out for 304. The win gave England their first away ODI series victory since March 2023.
Harry Brook played a sensational unbeaten knock of 136 from 65 balls, while Joe Root scored a composed 111. Jacob Bethell supported them well with a valuable 65-run innings.
Brook and Root Dominate Sri Lanka Bowling
The highlight of the England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI was the massive partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook. They added 191 runs in just 113 balls, turning a strong position into a match-winning total.
Brook’s late hitting was brutal. He struck nine sixes and eleven fours, collecting more than 100 runs from his final 40 deliveries. Sri Lanka conceded 88 runs in the last five overs alone.
Root played the anchor role, rotating strike and finding gaps instead of relying on power. He completed his 20th ODI century with controlled aggression.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Plan Fails
Sri Lanka loaded their attack with spinners to take wickets in the middle overs, but England survived with only three wickets down after 40 overs in the England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay were expensive, both conceding 76 runs from their 10 overs. Asitha Fernando also struggled to control the run flow, while Dunith Wellalage was the most economical bowler despite conceding runs at the death.
Nissanka and Rathnayake Lead the Chase
Sri Lanka began their chase aggressively in the England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI as Pathum Nissanka attacked during the powerplay. Early contributions from Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis kept the run rate close.
However, after Nissanka’s dismissal, Sri Lanka slipped to 131 for 4. Pavan Rathnayake, batting at number four for the first time in ODIs, played a brave knock of 121 from 115 balls to register his maiden international hundred.
He punished loose deliveries and used his feet against spin effectively, hitting aerial shots over midwicket. Despite a short partnership with Dunith Wellalage, Rathnayake lacked support from the lower order.
England Bowlers Finish Strong
England’s bowlers worked as a unit in the England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI. Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton, Will Jacks, and Liam Dawson each claimed two wickets, keeping Sri Lanka under pressure.
Sam Curran delivered the final blow by bowling Rathnayake in the 47th over. Rathnayake’s innings included 12 fours and one six, but Sri Lanka still fell short of the target.
England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI: Series Summary
The England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI showed England’s batting depth and finishing power. Brook and Root turned the match with their partnership, while the bowlers ensured a comfortable victory.
For Sri Lanka, Rathnayake’s maiden century was a positive sign despite the series defeat.
❓ FAQ Section
Who won the England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI?
England won the England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI by 53 runs.
Who scored the most runs in the England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI?
Harry Brook top-scored with an unbeaten 136 runs.
Did England win the ODI series against Sri Lanka?
Yes, England won the ODI series 2-1 after winning the third match.
Who scored a century for Sri Lanka?
Pavan Rathnayake scored his maiden ODI century with 121 runs.