England outclassed Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the third ODI of the three-match series at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. England’s batting finally clicked in spectacular fashion as Harry Brook produced a stunning unbeaten 136 off just 65 balls, while Joe Root played a classic knock of 111. Together, they lifted England to a massive total of 357/3 in 50 overs, a score that proved far beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.

While chasing, Pavan Rathnayake played a spectacular innings of 121 off 115 balls, but in the end, Sri Lanka fell short by 53 runs and lost the match.

Early jitters before Root steadies the innings

England did not start smoothly. Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed struggled to score freely, crawling along at under three runs an over. When Ahmed pulled Wanindu Hasaranga straight to short midwicket for 24, England were 40 for 2 in the 11th over, and momentum seemed lost.

At that stage, Root joined Jacob Bethell and focused on rebuilding. The surface did not offer easy scoring, especially against Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack. As a result, both batters chose patience over risk, nudging singles and rotating strike.

Root reached his fifty off 54 balls, mainly through smart placement. Only 18 of his first 50 runs came in boundaries. Overall, 61 of his 111 runs came from singles, twos, and threes, underlining his control and game awareness.

Bethell provides support before Brook changes everything

Bethell played an important supporting role, scoring 65 in a solid 126-run stand with Root. However, this partnership was only a prelude to what followed.

Once Brook arrived, the innings shifted gears. He opened his account by steering his first ball for four and soon began attacking both spin and pace. After settling in, Brook launched a brutal assault in the death overs.

Root and Brook unleash total destruction

The defining phase came through the 191-run partnership between Root and Brook, which took just 113 balls. While Root accelerated later on, the transformation from a strong total into a gigantic one was driven entirely by Brook.

Brook smashed nine sixes and 11 fours, scoring 101 runs off his last 40 balls. The final five overs alone cost Sri Lanka 88 runs, leaving their bowlers helpless. England also scored 40 runs in the final two overs, with Brook facing all but two deliveries.

His off-side hitting stood out. He repeatedly made room to loft spinners and seamers over extra cover, thrilling England supporters in the stands. Although midwicket and cover were his preferred zones for sixes, he also punished behind square with crisp fours.

Root completed his 20th ODI hundred off his 100th ball and then largely allowed Brook to dominate the strike.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggle under pressure

Sri Lanka had stacked their attack with spinners, hoping to strike during the middle overs. However, when England reached the 40th over with only three wickets down, the hosts were always in trouble.

The figures told a grim story. Asitha Fernando conceded runs at 8.55 an over, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay both finished with 1 for 76 from their 10 overs. Dunith Wellalage was more economical at 4.9, but he had largely finished his spell before the death. Even he conceded 13 runs in the 45th over.

Sri Lanka fight back with the bat

Despite the odds, Sri Lanka showed strong intent in the chase. Pathum Nissanka gave them a flying start, hammering 50 off just 25 balls, including five fours and three sixes inside the powerplay. Brief cameos from Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis helped Sri Lanka stay ahead of the required rate early on.

However, once Nissanka fell in the 10th over, the chase began to unravel. Two wickets had already gone, and soon Sri Lanka slipped to 131/4.

Rathnayake’s maiden century offers hope

Batting at No. 4 for the first time in ODIs, Pavan Rathnayake produced a standout performance. In only his fourth ODI, he struck his maiden international hundred, finishing with 121 off 115 balls.

Rathnayake punished loose deliveries and repeatedly charged down the pitch to spinners, lifting them powerfully over midwicket. He kept the chase alive by batting deep, even as wickets fell around him.

A 50-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Wellalage offered brief hope. Still, Rathnayake progressed at roughly a run-a-ball, choosing to take the game deep rather than chasing the rate early.

England’s bowlers finish the job

England’s bowling unit worked as a group. Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton, Will Jacks, and Liam Dawson each claimed two wickets, striking often and controlling the middle overs.

Rathnayake refused to shut shop just to secure his hundred. Even after a short pause in the 90s, he continued attacking as the required rate climbed beyond 12. Eventually, in the 47th over, Sam Curran delivered a pinpoint yorker. A tired swing followed, and Rathnayake’s stumps were shattered. His innings included 12 fours and one six.

Sri Lanka were finally bowled out for 304, falling 53 runs short.