England beat Sri Lanka by 223 runs to win series 2-1

England secured a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka after defeating the visitors by a massive 223 runs in the third and series-deciding ODI at The Oval in London. After piling up 355 runs in their allotted 50 overs, England’s bowlers combined pace and spin to bowl Sri Lanka out for just 132 runs.

After winning the toss, England captain Harry Brook elected to bat first. Opener Ben Duckett was dismissed for a duck early in the innings, but his departure did little to slow England’s scoring rate. Tom Banton and captain Harry Brook launched a fierce assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Banton produced a brilliant innings of 126 off 105 balls, smashing 16 fours and five sixes. Harry Brook contributed 77 off 66 balls, while Jordan Cox played a destructive knock of 76 off just 52 deliveries. Their efforts helped England post a huge total of 355 for seven in 50 overs.

For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando claimed three wickets, while Sachindu Colombage took two.

Chasing a mammoth target of 356, Sri Lanka found themselves on the back foot from the very beginning. Losing wickets at regular intervals, they were bowled out for just 132 in 29.1 overs. Captain Kusal Mendis was their top scorer with 35 runs.

Experienced spinner Liam Dawson was the pick of the England bowlers, claiming three wickets for just 26 runs. Gus Atkinson took two wickets, while Will Jacks, Sonny Baker, Jamie Overton and Joe Root picked up one wicket each.

Banton was named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings of 126 off 105 balls.