Root and Brook centuries lead England to ODI win over Sri Lanka

Joe Root and Harry Brook produced outstanding centuries as England beat Sri Lanka by 53 runs to seal a one-day international series victory.

After a measured start from the tourists, Root anchored the innings with his trademark composure on his way to a 20th ODI hundred. He shared a crucial stand of 126 with Jacob Bethell before Brook joined him midway through the innings.

As Root reached his century at a run-a-ball pace, Brook went on the offensive. The England captain launched a brutal assault, racing to three figures from just 57 deliveries.

Their unbroken partnership of 191 powered England to 357-3, their highest-ever ODI total in Sri Lanka. Brook finished with a career-best 136 in the format, while Root remained unbeaten on 111.

Sri Lanka made a fast start in reply, blasting 104 runs inside the powerplay despite losing three wickets. Opener Pathum Nissanka reached fifty from just 24 balls but was dismissed attempting an ambitious stroke soon after.

After two low-scoring matches earlier in the series, the Colombo pitch offered far better value for batters, though it slowed and provided increasing turn as the chase progressed.

Pavan Rathnayake kept Sri Lanka in the contest with an impressive maiden international century from 104 balls. However, while his innings mirrored Root’s in style, there was no equivalent to Brook’s explosiveness at the other end.

With wickets continuing to fall, Rathnayake attempted to accelerate after reaching his hundred but was last out for 121, bowled by Sam Curran in the 47th over.

The win ends Sri Lanka’s 12-series unbeaten home run in ODIs and eases concerns over England’s qualification route for the 2027 World Cup.

Root lays the platform as Brook unleashes

The two centuries could hardly have been more different.

Root rotated the strike relentlessly, collecting 58 singles and finding gaps with ease. While less eye-catching, it was the foundation of England’s innings.

He struck nine fours and a six in a flawless 108-ball knock, scoring freely off both front and back foot as Sri Lanka struggled to apply any pressure.

That freedom allowed Brook time to assess conditions before exploding into action. He reached his half-century with a towering six over extra cover and required only 17 more balls to reach his hundred.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers had no answer as Brook alternated between advancing down the pitch and hitting deep from his crease. Either way, the ball repeatedly sailed to or beyond the boundary.

Bowlers hold firm to complete the job

Chasing 358 was always a monumental task for Sri Lanka, requiring a record pursuit at the R Premadasa Stadium and their highest successful ODI chase.

The fine margins were evident from the outset as Nissanka nearly picked out mid-wicket off Jamie Overton, only for Ben Duckett to narrowly miss a spectacular catch.

Sri Lanka were forced to attack, and for a brief period it worked. Nissanka, Kamil Mishara and Kusal Mendis all scored freely, but all three were dismissed before the end of the powerplay.

Once Adil Rashid removed Charith Asalanka in the 15th over, England seized control. The surface increasingly aided spin, with England’s bowlers extracting significantly more turn than Sri Lanka managed in the first innings.

England now turn their attention to the T20 series, which begins on Friday, 30 January, buoyed by their first overseas ODI series win since March 2023 and just their second overall since the start of 2024