Brook, Root tons give England series win

Harry Brook smashed an unbeaten 136 off just 66 balls to power England to a series-clinching 53-run victory in the third ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium. His century came at a staggering strike rate of 206.06, featuring 11 fours and nine sixes as England posted 357.

Joe Root provided the foundation with an unbeaten 111 off 108 balls, his 20th ODI century. The pair added an unbroken 191-run stand for the fourth wicket. After Jacob Bethell's steadying 65, Brook exploded in the final ten overs, reaching his hundred off 57 balls. The last ten overs yielded 130 runs.

In reply, Sri Lanka began aggressively. Pathum Nissanka blazed to a 24-ball half-century. However, quick wickets from Jamie Overton, who removed Kusal Mendis and Nissanka, left them at 94/3.

Pavan Rathnayake fought a lone battle with 121 off 115 balls, but regular wickets fell at the other end. England's spinners maintained control; Will Jacks took two wickets, Adil Rashid accounted for Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, and Liam Dawson picked up two, including Dunith Wellalage.

The asking rate climbed steadily, and Sam Curran sealed the win by yorking Rathnayake. England secured a 2-1 series victory, their first overseas bilateral ODI series win in three years. Sri Lanka lost a home bilateral ODI series for the first time in five years.

Brief scores: England 357/3 in 50 overs (Harry Brook 136*, Joe Root 111*; Wanindu Hasaranga 1-76) beat Sri Lanka 304 in 46.4 overs (Pavan Rathnayake 121, Pathum Nissanka 50; Liam Dawson 2-48) by 53 runs