Harry Brook's unbeaten 136 off 66 balls powered England to a 53-run victory over Sri Lanka in the deciding ODI, securing their first ODI series win abroad in three years. Brook's innings, featuring nine sixes and 11 fours, overshadowed Joe Root's 20th ODI century and Jacob Bethell's 65 as England posted 358 all out.
After losing the toss in their previous six ODIs, England captain Brook finally won it and elected to bat. Despite early setbacks at 40 for two, Root and Bethell steadied the innings with a 126-run partnership. Root's reverse-sweeps and footwork against spin were highlights, while Bethell's four boundaries off Asitha Fernando showcased his range.
Brook entered with less than 19 overs remaining and accelerated rapidly, reaching his half-century off 40 balls and his century off just 17 more deliveries. His brutal hitting over extra cover and through the off side left the Sri Lankan bowlers helpless, with even the economical Dunith Wellalage conceding boundaries. England's innings closed with a Brook six over cover, giving them their highest total away from home.
In reply, Sri Lanka started aggressively, reaching 100 inside 10 overs thanks to Pathum Nissanka's 24-ball fifty and Kusal Mendis's quickfire 20. However, Jamie Overton claimed both openers, with Brook taking a catch at mid-off. Regular wickets prevented any substantial partnerships, despite Pavan Rathnayake's maiden century for Sri Lanka. His was the final wicket to fall as England celebrated a series victory.
