Brook and Root : Power England to Series-Sealing ODI Win in Colombo
Brook and Root: England closed out their one-day international campaign in Sri Lanka with authority on Monday, defeating the hosts by 53 runs in the third and final ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The result handed the visitors a 2–1 series victory and underlined the depth and experience of England’s white-ball batting, led by standout performances from captain Harry Brook and senior batter Joe Root.
Commanding batting display sets the tone
Asked to bat first, England produced one of their most complete ODI batting efforts on Sri Lankan soil, amassing an imposing 357 for three from the full 50 overs. The innings was built on a blend of control and aggression, with the middle order accelerating sharply after a stable start.
Jacob Bethell provided valuable support with a composed 65 from 72 balls, striking eight boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving during the middle overs. His contribution allowed the more explosive batters to play with freedom later in the innings, ensuring England maintained pressure throughout.
Brook delivers a record-breaking innings
The defining performance came from Harry Brook, who produced a breathtaking unbeaten 136 from just 66 deliveries. Mixing clean timing with fearless stroke play, Brook struck 11 fours and launched nine sixes, repeatedly clearing the boundary with ease. His innings not only lifted England past the 350 mark but also rewrote a notable record.
Brook’s score became the highest individual total by a non-Asian batter in an ODI played in Sri Lanka, surpassing a long-standing mark set more than a decade ago. The knock capped a strong series for the England skipper and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Root’s class and consistency shine again
While Brook dominated the headlines, Joe Root’s contribution was equally influential. The experienced batter remained unbeaten on 111 from 108 balls, an innings marked by precision and calm decision-making. Root struck nine fours and a six, anchoring the innings and allowing Brook to attack from the other end.
Together, Root and Brook added an unbroken 191 runs for the fourth wicket in just 113 balls, effectively putting the contest beyond Sri Lanka’s reach. Root’s performance also carried historical significance, as he moved past Brian Lara on the list of leading run-scorers in international cricket. He now has 22,413 runs across formats, scored at an average just under 50, with 61 centuries and 116 half-centuries to his name. His consistency throughout the series was recognised with the Player of the Series award.
England bowlers defend the total effectively
Defending a challenging target of 358, England’s bowlers delivered a disciplined display despite spirited resistance from the Sri Lankan batting order. The spinners, in particular, worked well in tandem, varying pace and flight to control the run rate during key phases of the chase.
Brook later noted that the pitch played better than expected and that the collective effort from the bowling unit was crucial in maintaining pressure. England’s fielding also supported the bowlers, preventing Sri Lanka from building sustained momentum.
Rathnayake’s century in a losing cause
Sri Lanka’s chase was highlighted by a memorable innings from Pavan Rathnayake, who scored his maiden ODI century. The right-hander made 121 from 115 balls, finding the boundary 12 times and adding a six, while showing composure against both spin and pace.
Despite Rathnayake’s efforts, the required rate continued to climb, and Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 304 in 46.4 overs. The result confirmed England’s superiority across the series and provided a positive conclusion to their tour, with both established players and emerging talents making meaningful contributions.