Brook Blitz Powers England to Series Win

Riding on a devastating century from Harry Brook, England defeated Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the third ODI to clinch the series 2–1. This is England’s first ODI series victory away from home since March 2023.
Batting first, England piled up 357 for 3. The visitors, however, did not get the start they wanted. After a slow beginning, Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed departed quickly, leaving England at 40 for 2 in 11 overs. Joe Root and Jacob Bethell then steadied the innings. Against a spin-heavy attack, they minimized risks and kept the scoreboard ticking. Bethell scored 65, while Root took control of the innings through smart strike rotation.
The tempo changed dramatically with the arrival of Harry Brook. After settling in, he launched a fierce assault in the latter stages. Brook and Root added 191 runs off 113 balls for the third wicket, pushing England towards a massive total. England scored 88 runs in the final five overs. Brook remained unbeaten on a blistering 136 off just 65 balls, smashing nine sixes and eleven fours. Root completed his 20th ODI century and stayed not out on 111.
Chasing the target, Sri Lanka began aggressively. Powered by Pathum Nissanka’s rapid half-century in the powerplay, the hosts stayed ahead in the chase early on. But once Nissanka was dismissed, Sri Lanka lost momentum, slipping to four wickets down for 131.
Coming in at number four, Pavan Rathnayake held one end and fought hard. Playing only his fourth ODI, he registered his maiden international century. He was particularly attacking against spin, using his feet effectively to hit over the top. However, with little support from the other end, he could not seize control of the chase.
England’s bowlers delivered a disciplined and well-planned performance, picking up wickets at regular intervals. Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton, Will Jacks and Liam Dawson took two wickets each. Eventually, Rathnayake was bowled for 121 by a Sam Curran yorker in the 47th over, and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 304.
While Rathnayake’s century offered some consolation for Sri Lanka, it was Harry Brook’s destructive batting that ultimately decided both the match and the series.