Joe Root produced a masterful innings to lead England to a long-awaited and morale-boosting away victory, securing a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Colombo to level the three-match One Day International series.
A Landmark Victory for McCullum's England
The triumph marked England's first away ODI win since Brendon McCullum added white-ball coaching responsibilities to his Test role in January 2025. Under his leadership, England had endured ten consecutive ODI defeats on their travels, making this victory particularly significant for the team's confidence and direction.
Spin Dominance Sets the Stage
Captain Harry Brook orchestrated an impressive bowling performance that saw England deploy an extraordinary 41 overs of spin, effectively playing Sri Lanka at their own game. The six spinners used by England combined to claim seven wickets for 180 runs, strangling the home side's batting lineup and restricting them to 219 all out in the final over.
Sri Lanka's innings never gained meaningful momentum after openers Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka departed cheaply. Kusal Mendis contributed 26 before running himself out, while captain Charith Asalanka top-scored with 45. England's spin attack, led by the consistently impressive Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson, maintained relentless pressure throughout the Sri Lankan innings.
Root's Imperious Response
Facing a target of 220 on a slow wicket under lights, England's chase began in uncertain fashion after a bold selection gamble backfired. The promotion of 21-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Rehan Ahmed as opener for his first international appearance in that role failed to pay dividends, with the youngster bowled for 13.
However, Joe Root immediately stamped his authority on the match, caressing his first ball to the boundary for four. He formed a crucial 69-run partnership with Ben Duckett in just 65 balls, providing the platform England desperately needed after their disappointing 19-run defeat at the same ground just two days earlier.
When Duckett fell to a brilliant delivery from Jeffrey Vandersay for 39, and young Jacob Bethell followed for just six, England found themselves at 94 for three with 126 still required. Yet Root remained unflappable, marching to his 45th ODI half-century and forming a composed 81-run partnership with captain Brook to steer England toward victory.
Nervous Moments Before Celebration
The victory wasn't without its tense moments. Root's dismissal for 75, trapped lbw by Asitha Fernando, sparked controversy as the batsman believed he had edged the ball, though DRS upheld the decision. When Brook then fell for 42, missing a sweep off Vandersay, England still required 41 runs with five wickets remaining.
Jos Buttler ensured there would be no late collapse, crashing 33 runs to secure England's first away ODI victory since November 2024. The win couldn't have come at a more crucial time for England, who had lost 15 of their previous 20 ODIs and faced mounting pressure regarding their automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
Broader Implications for England's Campaign
This victory represents more than just a series leveller. Following a dismal Ashes tour that culminated in a 4-1 defeat, this performance provides much-needed confidence and helps limit damage to England's world ranking. The team demonstrated they could adapt to subcontinental conditions, employing spin-heavy tactics that ultimately proved successful against a Sri Lankan side renowned for their prowess in such conditions.
With the series now poised at 1-1 ahead of Tuesday's decider, England have transformed what could have been another disappointing away series into an opportunity to claim a significant overseas victory. The manner of this win – built on strategic bowling changes, Root's batting mastery, and composed partnerships under pressure – suggests McCullum's white-ball revolution may finally be gaining traction away from home.
