England Fight Back in Colombo to Square ODI Series

England reignited their one-day international campaign with a composed and disciplined five‑wicket victory over Sri Lanka, levelling the three‑match ODI series 1–1 and setting up a decisive finale in Colombo. The win, anchored by Joe Root’s all‑round brilliance, marked a crucial response after England’s defeat in the opening match.

Sri Lanka Falters After Promising Start

Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, struggled to build lasting momentum on a slow, turning surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Despite a promising 66‑run fourth‑wicket partnership between Charith Asalanka (45) and Dhananjaya de Silva (40), the hosts were unable to convert their platform into a commanding total. Regular wickets, triggered by England’s disciplined spin‑heavy attack, restricted Sri Lanka to 219 all out in 49.3 overs.

England deployed eight bowlers, including 41 overs of spin, to suffocate Sri Lanka’s scoring options. Jamie Overton (2–21) and Adil Rashid (2–34) impressed with control and variation, while Root’s late double‑strike (2–13) ensured the hosts were denied a late surge.

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka later admitted his side were “at least 30 runs short,” citing key run‑outs and the draining heat as factors that hindered their innings.

Root Leads England’s Calm and Calculated Chase

Chasing 220, England approached the target with patience and clarity. Early wickets prevented a free‑flowing start, but Root’s composed 75 off 90 balls steadied the innings and provided the backbone of the chase. His partnerships with Ben Duckett (39) and Harry Brook (42) were pivotal in navigating Sri Lanka’s spin threat.

Although England briefly wobbled when Root and Brook fell in quick succession, Jos Buttler’s brisk 33 from 21 balls ensured the visitors crossed the line with 22 balls to spare. Will Jacks supported him in the final stretch as England closed on 223 for 5.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Dhananjaya de Silva and Jeffrey Vandersay, each claiming two wickets, attempted to apply pressure, but England’s depth and adaptability proved decisive.

Player of the Match: Joe Root

Root’s all‑round performance—two wickets, a crucial catch, and a match‑defining half‑century—earned him the Player of the Match award. Reflecting on the conditions, he described the pitch as “very difficult,” emphasising the importance of playing the ball late and building partnerships.

Captains React

England captain Harry Brook praised his side’s resilience, calling the win “a great team effort” and highlighting the bowlers’ ability to adapt to subcontinental conditions. He noted the importance of strike rotation and tactical discipline on a surface he described as one of the toughest he has played on.

Asalanka, while disappointed, expressed pride in Sri Lanka’s improved fielding standards and looked ahead to the decider with optimism, stressing the need for “one big hundred” from his batters to reclaim control of the series.

Series Poised for a Dramatic Finish

With the series now level, both teams head into Tuesday’s final ODI with everything to play for. England will look to build on their renewed confidence, while Sri Lanka aims to regroup and rediscover the composure that defined their opening‑match victory.

The stage is set for a gripping conclusion in Colombo—one that promises high stakes, tactical intrigue, and the possibility of a defining moment for both sides.