England Wrap Up Series After Rathnayake Century

England wrapped up a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka with a 53-run win in the third and final One-Day International at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Chasing a daunting target of 358, Sri Lanka found a bright spot in 23-year-old Pavan Rathnayake, who struck his first ODI century. However, a lack of meaningful support from the rest of the batting lineup proved costly, and the hosts were eventually dismissed for 304 in 46.4 overs.

Rathnayake stood firm until the end, scoring 121 from 115 deliveries. Pathum Nissanka provided a brisk start with a 25-ball half-century, but Sri Lanka were unable to build sustained partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Earlier, England posted an imposing 357 for three after being sent in to bat. Although openers Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed departed cheaply, Joe Root and Jacob Bethell steadied the innings with a solid stand. Bethell contributed 65 off 72 balls before Root reached his hundred.

Harry Brook then took charge with an explosive unbeaten 136 from just 66 balls, while Root remained not out on 111 from 108 deliveries to anchor the innings.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed limited breakthroughs, with Dhananjaya de Silva, Jeffrey Vandersay and Wanindu Hasaranga each claiming one wicket.

The decider came after the series was locked at 1-1, following Sri Lanka’s win in the opener and England’s comeback in the second ODI. Attention now shifts to the upcoming three-match T20 International series, which begins on Friday in Kandy.