Brook Blitz Seals England’s First Away ODI Series Win Since 2023

News Desk

Islamabad: Harry Brook’s breathtaking 136 not out powered England to a 53-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third ODI, clinching a 2–1 series win and ending a two-year wait for an away ODI series triumph.

England piled up a daunting 357 for 3 after being asked to bat, with Brook and Joe Root producing a decisive late onslaught. Root struck a composed 111, while Brook’s ferocious acceleration at the death transformed a strong total into an imposing one on a surface traditionally difficult for chasing sides.

Sri Lanka responded with spirit, led by Pavan Rathnayake’s maiden international century, but England’s bowlers struck often enough to keep the chase under control. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 304 in the 47th over, despite threatening to stay in touch for long periods.

Root anchored England’s innings after an uncertain start that saw Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed fall early, leaving the visitors 40 for 2 in the 11th over. Alongside Jacob Bethell, who made a fluent 65, Root rebuilt patiently against Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack.

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His hundred, his 20th in ODIs, was a study in control rather than power, with the majority of his runs coming through sharp running between the wickets.

Brook’s arrival shifted the tone decisively. After settling in, he unleashed an extraordinary assault in the final stages, plundering 101 runs off his last 40 balls. Root and Brook added 191 in just 113 deliveries, and Sri Lanka conceded 88 runs in the final five overs as Brook hammered nine sixes and 11 fours, dominating both seam and spin.

Sri Lanka’s decision to load their attack with spinners backfired once England reached the closing overs with wickets in hand. Asitha Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay all endured expensive outings, while Dunith Wellalage’s earlier control faded at the death.

In reply, Pathum Nissanka gave Sri Lanka early hope with a rapid 50 off 25 balls, but his dismissal triggered a slide that left the hosts 131 for 4. Batting at No. 4 for the first time in ODIs, Rathnayake provided resistance, striking 121 off 115 balls with confident footwork against spin and clean hitting down the ground.

Despite a brief seventh-wicket stand with Wellalage, Rathnayake was left carrying the burden of the chase as partners fell around him. He continued to attack even as the required rate soared, but his innings ended in the 47th over when Sam Curran bowled him with a pinpoint yorker.

England’s bowling effort was collective rather than spectacular, with Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton, Will Jacks and Liam Dawson all claiming two wickets apiece to apply steady pressure through the middle overs.

The win gives England their first away ODI series success since defeating Bangladesh in March 2023, while Sri Lanka suffered their first home ODI series defeat since losing to India in 2021 — a setback softened only by Rathnayake’s emergence on the international stage.