By Dwayne Ferreira
Tom Banton struck a commanding maiden ODI century as England overwhelmed Sri Lanka by 223 runs at The Oval to clinch the three-match one-day international series 2-1.
England completed a 2–1 ODI series victory over Sri Lanka with a dominant 223-run win in the third and final match at The Oval on Sunday, September 27.
Batting first after winning the toss, England amassed 355 for seven from their 50 overs before dismissing Sri Lanka for just 132 in 29.1 overs.
Tom Banton produced the defining innings of the match, scoring a superb 126 from 105 deliveries, including 16 fours and five sixes. It was Banton’s maiden ODI century and provided England with the platform for their imposing total.
England had been 68 for two after the early loss of Ben Duckett for a duck and Joe Root for 18, but Banton and captain Harry Brook completely transformed the innings.
Brook struck 77 from 66 balls as the pair added 150 for the third wicket. Jordan Cox then maintained the momentum with an explosive 76 from 52 balls as England accelerated heavily during the closing stages.
Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando was the most successful bowler, returning figures of three for 64, while Sachindu Colombage claimed two wickets.
Sri Lanka Collapse in Run Chase
Facing a daunting target of 356, Sri Lanka’s pursuit unravelled almost immediately.
Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for one before Kamindu Mendis fell for 12. Captain Kusal Mendis briefly counterattacked with 35 from 26 balls, including three sixes, but his dismissal left Sri Lanka struggling at 53 for three.
From there the innings deteriorated rapidly.
Pavan Rathnayake made 18 while Janith Liyanage contributed 19, but none of Sri Lanka’s batters were able to establish the substantial partnership required to challenge England’s total.
Liam Dawson was the standout bowler with three for 26, while Gus Atkinson collected two for 26. England eventually dismissed Sri Lanka for 132, sealing one of their most emphatic ODI victories over the visitors.
Banton was named Player of the Match, while England secured the ODI series 2–1 after winning the opening match, losing the second at Headingley and responding emphatically in the decider.
SCORECARD
England – 355/7 (50 overs)
Tom Banton 126 (105)
Harry Brook 77 (66)
Jordan Cox 76 (52)
Asitha Fernando 3/64
Sachindu Colombage 2/71
Sri Lanka – 132 all out (29.1 overs)
Kusal Mendis 35 (26)
Janith Liyanage 19 (20)
Pavan Rathnayake 18 (25)
Liam Dawson 3/26
Gus Atkinson 2/26
Result: England won by 223 runs
Series: England won 2–1
Player of the Match: Tom Banton
