The Sri Lanka vs England 3rd ODI turned into a memorable night for the visitors as England delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the final match of the three-match ODI series. Played at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the series decider witnessed two breathtaking unbeaten centuries from Harry Brook and Joe Root, which completely changed the course of the contest and handed England a morale-boosting series win.
This victory not only sealed the ODI series for England but also marked a strong comeback after a challenging period in international cricket, especially following a demanding Ashes tour.
Brook and Root Dominate Sri Lanka in Series Decider
England’s batting display in the Sri Lanka vs England 3rd ODI was nothing short of sensational. After being tested early, England found stability and momentum through the brilliant partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root.
- Harry Brook played a breathtaking knock of 136 runs off just 66 balls, remaining unbeaten throughout the innings.
- Joe Root, showing his trademark composure and class, scored an unbeaten 111 off 108 deliveries.
The duo’s partnership not only rescued England but completely overpowered the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Brook’s aggressive strokeplay combined with Root’s calm control ensured England posted a challenging total that proved too much for the hosts.
Awards Reflect England’s Batting Brilliance
The individual brilliance in the Sri Lanka vs England 3rd ODI was rightly recognized at the presentation ceremony.
- Harry Brook was named Player of the Match for his explosive unbeaten century in the series decider.
- Joe Root claimed the Player of the Series award after scoring 247 runs across three matches, including one century and two half-centuries.
Root’s consistency throughout the series played a crucial role in England’s success and highlighted his importance as the backbone of the batting lineup.
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Sri Lanka’s Chase Falls Short Despite Fight
Chasing a daunting target, Sri Lanka showed glimpses of promise but struggled to keep pace with the required run rate. England’s bowlers, especially the spinners, executed their plans with discipline and control, applying constant pressure on the Sri Lankan batters.
Sri Lanka found it difficult to counter England’s bowling at the death, and despite moments of resistance, the hosts were eventually restricted, falling 53 runs short of the target.
England Captain Harry Brook Reflects on Team Effort
Speaking after the match, England captain Harry Brook credited his preparation and teamwork for the dominant performance in the Sri Lanka vs England 3rd ODI.
Brook highlighted the hours spent batting with Joe Root in the nets, saying that their understanding and communication translated perfectly into match conditions. He praised Root as an exceptional player and emphasized how valuable his presence is for the team, especially in pressure situations.
Brook also applauded the bowling unit, particularly the spinners, for working in tandem and maintaining excellent communication. He mentioned that although the toss was expected to play a major role, the pitch turned out better than anticipated, allowing England to post a strong total and defend it confidently.
Charith Asalanka Admits Sri Lanka Were Outplayed
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka acknowledged that while the match was competitive, his side was ultimately outplayed by England’s superior batting.
Asalanka pointed out a major positive for Sri Lanka in the form of Pavan Rathnayake, who impressed at number four. However, he admitted that the unbeaten centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook proved decisive and difficult to contain, especially during the death overs.
He explained that Sri Lanka opted for an extra spinner expecting more turn from the surface, but England adapted better to the conditions. Asalanka emphasized that the upcoming T20 series is extremely important for Sri Lanka as it serves as the final preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Joe Root on Leadership, Team Growth, and the Road Ahead
After receiving the Player of the Series award, Joe Root spoke candidly about his motivation and role within the team.
Root stated that at this stage of his career, his primary goal is to win matches for England and help guide younger players through challenging situations. He praised the performances of Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell, saying their innings showcased England’s growing strength in the 50-over format.
He also reflected on England’s recent struggles, admitting the team had gone through a tough phase but is now moving in the right direction. Root expressed confidence that the series win would boost the morale of players continuing into the T20 leg of the tour.
England Lift Series Trophy in Colombo
As the series concluded, Harry Brook collected the series-winning trophy, and the England players posed for a celebratory team photograph at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The atmosphere reflected a sense of relief and renewed confidence within the squad.
This ODI series win comes at an important time for England, providing momentum and belief ahead of the shorter formats and future international assignments.
Focus Shifts to T20 World Cup Preparations
With the ODI series wrapped up, attention now turns to the three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and England. Both teams will meet again in Pallekele, with the first T20I scheduled to be played on Friday, January 30, starting at 1:30 PM GMT.
For Sri Lanka, the T20 series represents the final opportunity to fine-tune combinations ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, while England will look to carry forward the confidence gained from their success in the Sri Lanka vs England 3rd ODI.
Conclusion: England Finish Strong, Sri Lanka Look Ahead
The Sri Lanka vs England 3rd ODI proved to be a perfect ending to an exciting ODI series. England’s dominant batting display, led by Harry Brook and Joe Root, overshadowed Sri Lanka’s efforts and highlighted the visitors’ depth and adaptability.
While Sri Lanka will take positives from individual performances, England walk away with the trophy, renewed confidence, and valuable momentum as both teams prepare for the challenges ahead in the T20 format.