- Joe Root’s composed 75 seals England’s first away ODI win under Brendon McCullum
- England’s spinners strangle Sri Lanka to set up five-wicket victory
- Series level at 1-1 heading into Tuesday’s decider
England finally broke their away ODI drought under Brendon McCullum as Joe Root guided them to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo, levelling the three-match series. It marked England’s first overseas ODI win in 11 attempts since McCullum took charge of the white-ball side, easing pressure after a prolonged run of defeats on the road.
England laid the platform with a disciplined bowling display, deploying spin for 40.3 overs as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 219 on a sluggish surface. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson once again led the way, while captain Harry Brook’s tactical use of six spinners saw the hosts strangled for momentum. Charith Asalanka top-scored with 45, but Sri Lanka never escaped England’s grip and were dismissed in the final over.
Chasing under lights, England recovered from a stuttering start, including an unsuccessful experiment opening with Rehan Ahmed, through a fluent partnership between Root and Ben Duckett, who added 68 in quick time. After Duckett’s dismissal and a brief wobble that reduced England to 3-97, Root’s calm authority came to the fore as he compiled his 45th ODI half-century, steering the chase with trademark control.
Root’s innings ended on 75 following an lbw decision upheld on review, but his work had already shifted the balance. Brook added a crucial 42 before Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 33 ensured England crossed the line with composure, securing a morale-boosting win that also helps protect their ODI ranking and World Cup qualification hopes.
After the disappointment of the Ashes and months of white-ball frustration, England head into the decider with renewed belief, and with Root once again proving to be the calm heartbeat of their limited-overs revival.
