England beat Sri Lanka by 223 runs to win ODI series

England beat Sri Lanka by 223 runs at The Oval on September 27, winning the third one-day international and taking the three-match series 2-1. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 132 while chasing England’s target of 356, giving the hosts the series after it had been tied 1-1 before the decider. Tom Banton led England’s innings with 126 from 105 balls, his maiden century in one-day internationals. His innings helped England post 355 for 7. Harry Brook scored 77 and Jordan Cox made 76, providing substantial support as the hosts built a total Sri Lanka could not approach. Banton and Brook added 150 for the third wicket. Brook had been dropped on seven before going on to make his score, while Banton reached three figures during a 105-ball innings that included 16 fours and five sixes. Cox’s 76 kept the scoring moving late in the innings; he was out off the penultimate delivery. Sri Lanka’s chase faltered early after Pathum Nissanka was dismissed in the second over. The visitors lost wickets at regular intervals and were all out in 29.1 overs. Captain Kusal Mendis scored 35, but Sri Lanka’s total left them 223 runs short. The result completed a turnaround in the series.