Brook And Root Power England To Massive ODI Total

The third and deciding ODI between Sri Lanka and England at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on January 27, 2026, has delivered fireworks, drama, and some unforgettable cricketing moments. With the series locked at 1-1, both teams came into this match with everything to play for—pride, momentum, and the chance to claim a hard-fought victory on Sri Lankan soil. The atmosphere in Colombo was electric, and the players certainly rose to the occasion.

England captain Harry Brook, having won his first toss of the series, wasted no time in electing to bat first. Brook’s decision was informed by recent experiences on the Colombo pitches. After England’s five-wicket win in the second ODI, Brook didn’t mince words, calling the previous surface the “worst pitch” he’s ever played on. Despite that critique, England’s approach remained bold and unchanged. They fielded the same spin-heavy lineup that had troubled Sri Lanka in the last outing, with Rehan Ahmed opening alongside Ben Duckett due to Zak Crawley’s ongoing knee injury. The visitors looked to exploit the conditions and keep their momentum rolling.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, made a strategic tweak, bringing in their ace spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for fast bowler Pramod Madushan. Hasaranga, rested for the first two matches with the T20 World Cup looming on February 7, was expected to play a pivotal role on a surface anticipated to favor slow bowling. The hosts, unbeaten in bilateral home series over the past five years, were determined to defend their proud record and clinch the series in front of a passionate home crowd.

England’s innings was a masterclass in calculated aggression and resilience. The early overs saw Sri Lanka’s bowlers offering some resistance, but once Harry Brook and Joe Root joined forces at the crease, the tide turned dramatically. England found themselves at 166 for 3 when Brook strode out in the 32nd over. What followed was nothing short of sensational.

Brook unleashed a breathtaking display of power-hitting, reaching his fifth ODI hundred off just 57 balls—the seventh-fastest century ever by an England batter in one-day internationals. His final tally was an unbeaten 136 from a mere 66 deliveries, laced with 11 boundaries and an astonishing 9 sixes. The Sri Lankan bowlers, who had started brightly, were left searching for answers as Brook dismantled their attack with ruthless efficiency. To cap off his milestone, Brook celebrated in memorable fashion, channeling WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin by mimicking the iconic beer smash—removing his gloves and smashing them together, much to the delight of fans and teammates alike.

Supporting Brook was the ever-reliable Joe Root, whose unbeaten 111 from 108 balls anchored the innings and provided the perfect foil to Brook’s fireworks. Root, who had already registered back-to-back fifties in the series, notched his 20th ODI century and his third against Sri Lanka, further cementing his status as one of England’s most dependable performers in high-pressure situations. The partnership between Brook and Root was the backbone of England’s imposing total, transforming the innings after a potentially tricky position and ensuring the visitors capitalized fully in the final overs.

England’s strategy was clear: keep wickets in hand for a late onslaught. The batting order was structured to allow their big hitters to unleash in the closing stages, and the plan worked to perfection. The unbroken stand between Brook and Root ensured England finished their 50 overs at a daunting 357 for 3, setting Sri Lanka a record chase of 358 to win the series. The final overs saw England dominate, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers unable to stem the flow of runs or break the partnership despite their best efforts.

For Sri Lanka, the challenge was now immense. Chasing 358 on a surface that hasn’t always favored high scoring would require not only skill but also immense mental fortitude. The home side’s lineup, featuring the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, and captain Charith Asalanka, would have to dig deep and produce something special to keep their home series record intact. The inclusion of Hasaranga, who had been rested for the earlier matches, was a calculated gamble aimed at tilting the balance in their favor with both bat and ball.

As the Sri Lankan innings began, opener Pavan Rathnayake looked to inject some early momentum. Facing Adil Rashid’s over, Rathnayake showed intent, using his feet to the first two balls but unable to pierce the in-field. Staying composed, he expertly executed a leg glance that raced away fine for four, capitalizing on a rare lapse in Rashid’s line. Charith Asalanka, too, showcased his touch, guiding the ball past short third for two before adding a single. That over yielded eight valuable runs for Sri Lanka, as they sought to build a platform for what would be a monumental chase.

The pressure was firmly on the Sri Lankan batters. England’s bowlers, buoyed by the cushion of a mammoth total and the confidence of their recent successes, looked to strike early and often. The likes of Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, and Jamie Overton were tasked with making early inroads, while spinners Liam Dawson and Rashid aimed to exploit any turn on offer. The fielding unit was sharp, and the energy in the middle was palpable—every run was being fought for, every misfield scrutinized.

With the series on the line and the action still unfolding, fans were glued to their seats, eagerly following every ball. Could Sri Lanka pull off a historic run chase and preserve their unbeaten home record? Or would England’s power-packed batting performance prove too much, sealing a memorable series triumph away from home? The answers were still to come, but one thing was certain: cricket fans were witnessing a contest for the ages.

As the sun began to set over Colombo and the tension ramped up, the stage was set for a dramatic finish. England’s batters had done their part, with Brook and Root writing themselves into the record books. Now it was up to Sri Lanka’s batsmen to respond in kind. With every run, the stakes grew higher, and the excitement was palpable both in the stadium and among fans worldwide.

With the match still in progress and Sri Lanka’s chase underway, the cricketing world watched with bated breath. Would the hosts mount a comeback for the ages, or would England’s total prove insurmountable? The answer would come soon enough, but for now, the ODI decider in Colombo remained wide open—a fitting finale to a fiercely contested series.