Pawan’s century in vain as England clinch ODI series

2026-01-28 - 04:04

Pawan Rathnayake’s fighting century went in vain as Sri Lanka were defeated by England on the decisive third day in the three-match ODI series. England won the three-match series 2–1 with a 53-run victory in yesterday’s (Jan. 27) encounter, marking the first time in 05 years that Sri Lanka has lost a home ODI series. After winning the toss, England captain Harry Brook elected to bat first. Despite losing 02 early wickets for 40 runs, Joe Root and Jacob Bethell rebuilt the innings with a 126-run partnership for the third wicket. Bethell was dismissed for 65, but Root then combined with Brook in a dominant, unbroken 191-run stand for the fourth wicket off just 113 balls, accelerating the scoring in the final overs. Root registered his 20th ODI century, remaining unbeaten on 111, while Brook struck his maiden ODI hundred, finishing not out on 136, an innings that included 11 fours and 09 sixes. England closed their 50 overs at 357/3, their highest ODI total against Sri Lanka. Chasing a target of 358, Sri Lanka made a positive start as Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara added 48 runs for the opening wicket. Mishara scored 22, while Nissanka contributed a brisk 50. Kusal Mendis added a quickfire 20 off 08 balls to keep the momentum going. Middle-order batter Pawan Rathnayake produced a superb counterattack, scoring his maiden ODI century to keep Sri Lanka in contention. However, regular wickets at the other end hampered the chase, and Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 304 in 46.4 overs, falling short by 53 runs.