Tom Banton smashed his maiden ODI century as England crushed Sri Lanka by 223 runs at The Oval to seal the series 2-1.

Tom Banton struck his maiden ODI century, Harry Brook produced another commanding innings and Jordan Cox launched a late assault as England completed a comprehensive 223-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third ODI at The Oval.

England posted a formidable 355 for 8 after a superb middle-order surge before Sri Lanka collapsed to 132 all out inside 30 overs.

The result gave England a 2-1 series victory, adding to their earlier success in the T20I series. Sri Lanka won just one of their six limited-overs matches on the tour.

Banton and Brook Lay the Foundation

England made a measured start, reaching 108 for 2 after 25 overs before Banton and Brook shifted through the gears.

The pair produced a brilliant 150-run third-wicket partnership from 117 balls, repeatedly finding boundaries against Sri Lanka’s attack.

Banton was aggressive from the outset, striking authoritative drives through the covers before accelerating further against spin. He also punished Dilshan Madushanka with two sixes and a four in one over.

The century was comfortably Banton’s highest ODI score, surpassing the 73 he had made in the previous match at Leeds.

He eventually fell for 100 in the 38th over, but by then England had established the platform for a huge total.

Brook Finds Another Gear

Brook initially struggled for fluency, scoring only 11 from his first 25 deliveries. He was also dropped on seven after edging Dunith Wellalage to the wicketkeeper.

The reprieve proved costly.

Brook exploded into action in the 26th over, taking Janith Liyanage for consecutive boundaries before launching another delivery over long-on for six.

England accelerated dramatically during this period, scoring 111 runs in the next 10 overs after managing only 108 in their opening 25.

Brook eventually departed for a rapid 77, having helped put England firmly in control.

Cox Provides the Finishing Power

Jordan Cox continued the assault after arriving at 218 for 3 in the 35th over.

The wicketkeeper-batter initially took his time before attacking Sri Lanka’s pace bowlers in the closing stages. He was particularly effective through the leg side, striking sixes and boundaries with authority.

Cox brought up his first ODI half-century and finished with an impressive 76 from 52 balls, including a reverse-scoop for four off Eshan Malinga.

Jamie Overton also added a late 21 from 14 balls as England finished on 355 for 8.

Sri Lanka’s fielding contributed to England’s imposing total. Brook and Overton were both dropped, while there were several costly ground-fielding errors during the closing stages.

Sri Lanka Collapse Under Pressure

Facing a target of 356, Sri Lanka’s chase quickly unravelled.

Gus Atkinson and Sonny Baker struck early to remove Sri Lanka’s top order, leaving the visitors at 53 for 3.

The collapse then intensified.

Sri Lanka slipped to 77 for 5 and were eventually bowled out for just 132 inside 30 overs. Only Kusal Mendis offered meaningful resistance, striking three sixes and two fours in a 35-ball 35.

England’s bowlers exploited the slight turn available from the Oval surface, while the seamers also found enough movement to trouble Sri Lanka’s batters.

Dawson Leads England’s Spin Attack

Liam Dawson was the pick of the England spinners, finishing with 3 for 26 as Sri Lanka’s middle order failed to build any meaningful partnership.

Atkinson and Baker had already dismantled the top order, leaving the spinners with a straightforward task of maintaining pressure.

Sri Lanka’s batting collapse once again proved decisive, with their innings losing wickets in clusters rather than building a sustained response to England’s enormous total.

Asitha Fernando provided one of the few bright moments for Sri Lanka with the ball, dismissing Cox and Dawson with the final two deliveries of England’s innings to finish with 3 for 64.

Sachindu Colombage claimed two wickets but conceded 71 runs.

England’s dominant victory completed a 2-1 ODI series win, following their T20I success earlier on the tour, while Sri Lanka will leave England with plenty to address after a difficult limited-overs campaign.