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Brook's Record 136* Powers England to ODI Series Win Over Sri Lanka

England secured a 53-run victory in the third ODI to win the series 2-1 against Sri Lanka. Harry Brook's unbeaten 136, a record for a non-Asian batter in Sri Lanka, and Joe Root's unbeaten 111 powered England to a formidable 357/3. The pair shared an unbroken 191-run stand, with Root also surpassing Brian Lara's international run tally during his innings. Despite a maiden ODI century from Sri Lanka's Pavan Rathnayake, the hosts were bowled out for 304.

Key Points: England Clinch ODI Series vs Sri Lanka Behind Brook, Root Tons

  • Brook's 136* sets non-Asian batter record in SL
  • Root's 111* surpasses Brian Lara's run tally
  • England post 357/3 to win by 53 runs
  • Pavan Rathnayake scores maiden ODI ton in losing cause
2 min read

"To have him in the side helps every day": England skipper lauds Joe Root after clinching ODI series against Sri Lanka

Harry Brook's record 136* and Joe Root's 111* lead England to a 53-run win, clinching the ODI series 2-1 against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

"Root is exceptional; to have him in the side helps every day. - Harry Brook"

Colombo, January 28

England white-ball skipper Harry Brook hailed the Three Lions batting heavyweight Joe Root, after his side registered a comfortable 53-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Monday.

Brook believes Root is an 'exceptional' player, and having him in the side helps every day. With this victory, the Three Lions clinched the three-match ODI series 2-1. Brook was named Player of the Match, whereas Root was awarded the Player of the Series award.

"Working on a few things in the nets, and it paid off. Glad me, Rooty and Beth could get us to that total. Awesome effort from everyone. Root is exceptional; to have him in the side helps every day. [Toss?] Not that important, a lot better pitch than we were expecting. Got a good score and managed to defend it. Very happy with how the spinners bowled, they were working in tandem. The batters tried to put the pressure back on in tough conditions. [Pitch] It was a decent wicket! Ended up being better than we thought," Harry Brook said after the match.

Batting first, England posted a massive total of 357/3 in 50 overs. Jacob Bethell played a decent knock of 65 runs off 72 balls, with eight fours, while Boork slammed an unbeaten 136 runs off 66 balls, with 11 fours and nine towering sixes.

With his 136, Brook surpassed South Africa's Quinton de Kock, who had scored 128 in Hambantota in 2014, to claim the record for the highest score by a non-Asian batter in Sri Lanka.

Along with Brook, veteran batter Root also hammered an unbeaten 111 runs off 108 deliveries, including nine fours and one six. Root and Brook stitched an unbeaten 191-run stand in just 113 deliveries for the fourth wicket as England crossed the 350-run mark.

The former England captain surpassed West Indies' legendary cricketer Brian Lara in the list of the highest run-getters in international cricket. Root has hammered 22,413 runs in 384 matches and 506 innings at an average of 49.69. The veteran batter has notched up 61 centuries and 116 half-centuries.

Chasing a massive total of 358, Sri Lanka was bundled out for 304 in 46.4 overs, losing by 53 runs. Pavan Rathnayake was the star with the bat for Sri Lanka as he slammed his maiden ODI hundred, scoring 121 off 115 balls, 12 fours and one six.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Joe Root surpassing Brian Lara's record is a huge achievement. 22,413 international runs! He's been so consistent for over a decade. As an Indian fan, I appreciate his technique—it's so correct and he makes batting look easy even in tough conditions. Respect!
A
Aman W
Good win for England, but honestly, the Sri Lankan bowling looked very ordinary. 357 is a massive score to concede at home. Our subcontinent pitches are supposed to assist spinners, but they were taken apart. SL cricket needs some serious rebuilding, feels bad for their fans.
S
Sarah B
Harry Brook was on fire! That strike rate is unbelievable. But credit also to Pavan Rathnayake for his maiden century in a losing cause. Must be bittersweet for the young Sri Lankan. Hope he gets more chances.
K
Karthik V
Root and Brook partnership of 191 in 113 balls won them the match and the series. That's modern ODI cricket for you. We play a similar brand with players like Pant and Pandya. Exciting times for the format, despite what some say about its future.
N
Nikhil C
While the batting was great, I think the article glosses over England's bowling. Defending 358 is expected, but bundling SL out for 304 with overs to spare shows their attack is balanced. The spinners did well in tandem, as Brook said. A complete team performance.

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