England delivered a masterclass at The Oval in the third and final One Day International of the tour, thrashing Sri Lanka by 223 runs to claim a 2-1 series victory. Setting an imposing total of 355/7 in their 50 overs, England completely dismantled the visiting batting line-up, dismissing Sri Lanka for just 132 in 29.1 overs to cap off their most dominant performance of the three matches.
The foundation of England’s massive score was laid by opener Tom Banton, who stroked a magnificent century. After Ben Duckett fell early for 6, Banton anchored the top order alongside Joe Root, steering England to 50/1 by the end of the first powerplay. Banton brought up his half-century off 51 balls with eight fours and a six before finding a strong middle-over partner in Harry Brook following Root’s departure at 68/2. Passing 100 in the 24th over, Banton and Brook assembled a century partnership off 93 deliveries that eventually surpassed 150 runs. Brook completed a 49-ball fifty featuring four boundaries and two sixes before exiting at 218/3, while Banton pressed on to complete his century off 95 balls, striking 13 fours and three sixes overall before departing at 242/4.
England reached 250 in the 40th over and launched an explosive late assault, plundering 104 runs from the final 10 overs. Jordan Cox hit a 42-ball half-century and combined with Jamie Overton for a quickfire 50-run partnership off just 25 balls. Following the earlier loss of Will Jacks at 287/5, Cox and Liam Dawson were dismissed on the final two balls of the innings at 355, leaving England with a formidable total. England’s playing XI also featured Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, and Sonny Baker.
Sri Lanka’s run chase unravelled swiftly under the scoreboard pressure. Despite reaching 50 in the ninth over, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Kusal Mendis during the opening powerplay. The slide continued as Pavan Rathnayake and Charith Asalanka fell with the score at 77, followed by Dunith Wellalage at 82. Sri Lanka crossed 100 in the 21st over, but lost seven wickets during the second powerplay as Sachindu Colombage, Janith Liyanage, Asitha Fernando, and Eshan Malinga fell in quick succession, leaving Dilshan Madushanka as the remaining batsman when the innings closed at 132.
Key Developments
- Tom Banton scored a brilliant 95-ball century with 13 fours and three sixes, partnering with Harry Brook (50 off 49) for a 150-plus run stand.
- England accumulated 104 runs in the final 10 overs, supported by Jordan Cox’s 42-ball fifty and a rapid 25-ball, 50-run partnership with Jamie Overton.
- Sri Lanka lost seven wickets during the second powerplay and were bowled out for 132 in 29.1 overs.
- The 223-run victory at The Oval secured a 2-1 series win for England over Sri Lanka.
The crushing result completes England’s campaign on a high note, providing a comprehensive finish to the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at The Oval.