England beat Sri Lanka by 53 runs to claim their three-match ODI series 2-1 thanks to unbeaten knocks from both Joe Root and Harry Brook on Tuesday. 

Root plundered 111 from 108 balls while Brook scored 136 as their mammoth stand ensured Pavan Rathnayake's ton for Sri Lanka was fruitless.

The dismissals of Ben Duckett (seven) and Rehan Ahmed (24) had England 40-2 by the 11th over, but Root, alongside Jacob Bethell, got the tourists back in the groove. 

Bethell struck 65 from 72 deliveries in a 126-run stand with Root before he was dismissed by Jeffrey Vandersay (1-76), only for Brook to help continue England's assault. 

Root and Brook put on 191 to lead England to 357-3, handing Sri Lanka the challenge of completing the highest ever run chase in Khettarama. 

Kamil Mishara (22) and Kusal Mendis (20) fell to Jamie Overton and Will Jacks, respectively, but Pathum Nissanka's blistering 50 kept Sri Lanka in contention.

Rathnayake took the fight to England with his 121, but the remaining order failed to score over 22, with Sam Curran taking the wicket of Sri Lankan's centurion to seal England's triumph.

A top-class series win!

@IGcom pic.twitter.com/MqXuDmoPW5

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 27, 2026

Data Debrief: England end wait for away win in Buttler's landmark outing

After the disappointment of their Ashes series, England responded in style, claiming their first away ODI series since beating Bangladesh in March 2023. 

It also marked the first time that Sri Lanka lost a home ODI series since going down to India in 2021, but the hosts had no answer to Root and Brook's imperious batting display. 

Indeed, Root's century was his 20th in the format, more than any other England player, while Brook's score was his highest tally in his 38th ODI match. 

There was also a special moment for Jos Buttler, who, despite not getting to bat, played his 400th match for England. Across both white and red-ball formats, only James Anderson (401) has featured in more.