England crush Sri Lanka by 223 runs to seal ODI series 2-1

England finish home summer with emphatic victory

England signed off their 2026 home season in style, defeating Sri Lanka by 223 runs at The Oval to win the three-match ODI series 2-1. After posting 355, England dismissed Sri Lanka for 132 in just 29.1 overs, completing a dominant performance in front of a packed crowd.

Captain Harry Brook described the display as “a near-perfect performance” and praised the contribution of the entire squad. The result marked a strong recovery for England after their defeat in Leeds and underlined the depth available to the team ahead of the next ODI World Cup.

Banton announces himself with maiden ODI century

Tom Banton was named Player of the Match after scoring his first ODI hundred, a commanding 126 from 105 balls. His innings formed the foundation of England’s imposing total and represented a significant personal milestone after what he described as difficult years following his initial breakthrough into international cricket.

Jordan Cox also impressed late in the innings, giving England valuable acceleration. Neither Banton nor Cox is considered a first-choice option in their respective positions, but both made a strong case for greater involvement with substantial contributions in the field as well.

Sri Lanka collapse after difficult start

Sri Lanka’s chase suffered an early setback when Sonny Baker dismissed Pathum Nissanka in his first over. England claimed three wickets inside the opening 10 overs despite an attacking contribution from Kusal Mendis.

A controversial run-out involving Pavan Rathnayake became a talking point, although the dismissal was ultimately upheld. Jofra Archer’s direct hit at the keeper’s end found Rathnayake well short, with the laws allowing the dismissal when a direct throw uproots a stump.

From there, England’s spinners took control. Liam Dawson, playing his first match of the ODI series, claimed three wickets while maintaining an economical spell. Will Jacks also contributed with the ball and completed the victory with a sharp catch from Joe Root to dismiss Eshan Malinga.

Jacks takes series award as England’s depth shines

Will Jacks was named Player of the Series after scoring 123 runs at an average of 61.5 and taking six wickets at an economy rate of 4.15. He said the spin-friendly conditions suited his all-round role but acknowledged that he may need to adapt when England travel to Pakistan.

Joe Root was also recognised as England’s Men’s ODI Player of the Summer after scoring 326 runs across the series against India and Sri Lanka. Root said the team was moving in the right direction and growing in confidence despite injuries.

Captains look ahead to Pakistan

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis admitted that his side struggled with the bat and were below their best in the field. He also acknowledged that the middle order failed to produce and referred to his own dropped catch of Harry Brook, which allowed England’s captain to continue his innings.

England will now travel to Pakistan for an ODI tri-series beginning on October 18, while Sri Lanka will also face Pakistan in a three-match bilateral T20I series before the tri-series. England’s victory leaves the side with considerable momentum and renewed belief as the next World Cup cycle approaches.