Harry Brook produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting as England clinched a 53-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third ODI, sealing a 2-1 series triumph with a dominant all-round performance. Brook’s unbeaten 136 off just 66 balls, combined with Joe Root’s composed 111*, propelled England to a commanding 357 for 3, a total that proved well beyond Sri Lanka’s reach despite a spirited chase.
After a sluggish start that saw England crawl to 40 for 2, Root and Jacob Bethell rebuilt with calm authority before Brook transformed the innings into a spectacle. Root’s knock was a masterclass in manipulation and tempo control, while Brook detonated the final phase, smashing nine sixes and 11 fours, with England plundering 88 runs in the last five overs. The 191-run stand between Root and Brook off just 113 balls decisively swung the contest England’s way.
Sri Lanka responded bravely, driven by Pavan Rathnayake’s maiden ODI century, a fluent 121 off 115 balls that underlined his promise at international level. Pathum Nissanka’s rapid 50 briefly ignited hopes, but England’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, preventing any sustained momentum. Rathnayake fought deep into the chase, refusing to settle for personal milestones, before Sam Curran’s yorker ended his resistance in the 47th over.
England’s bowling unit operated with discipline and cohesion, with Rashid, Overton, Jacks and Dawson sharing eight wickets, ensuring Sri Lanka were bowled out for 304. The win marks England’s first away ODI series success since 2023, while Sri Lanka suffer their first home series defeat since 2021, a reminder of how quickly Brook’s brilliance can tilt the balance of a contest.
For England, this was a statement performance.
For Harry Brook, it was a reminder that when he catches fire, few attacks in world cricket can contain him.
