England crush Sri Lanka by 223 runs at The Oval as Tom Banton’s maiden ODI century helps seal a 2-1 series victory.
LONDON, September 27, 2026: England ended their home international season in emphatic fashion, defeating Sri Lanka by 223 runs in the third ODI at The Oval to clinch the three-match series 2-1.
After posting a formidable 355, England produced a ruthless bowling display to dismiss Sri Lanka for just 132 in 29.1 overs, completing one of their most comprehensive ODI victories of the summer.
The result capped England’s 2026 home season, with captain Harry Brook lifting the ODI series trophy alongside his teammates.
Banton’s maiden ODI century sets up victory
England’s imposing total was built around Tom Banton’s maiden ODI century, with the opener producing a superb 126 from 105 deliveries.
Banton said scoring a century for England had been a childhood dream and described the achievement as particularly special because friends and family were present.
He also reflected on the difficult period he experienced after breaking into the national side, saying he had worked hard to earn another opportunity.
Banton revealed that he has maintained conversations with former England star Kevin Pietersen, with the pair sharing plenty of banter, and added that he was comfortable batting wherever the team required him.
Jordan Cox also made a valuable contribution as England’s batting depth once again came to the fore.
Sri Lanka collapse after early setbacks
Sri Lanka’s chase began badly when Sonny Baker removed Pathum Nissanka in his first over.
England then claimed three wickets inside the opening 10 overs, although Kusal Mendis attempted to counterattack and keep Sri Lanka in contention.
The visitors suffered another setback when Pavan Rathnayake was run out, with Jofra Archer producing a direct hit at the wicketkeeper’s end.
The dismissal generated considerable discussion over the applicable law, but Rathnayake was ultimately well short of his ground.
From that point, England tightened their grip. Their spinners dismantled Sri Lanka’s middle order, while Jamie Overton added a lively spell.
Liam Dawson, playing his first match of the ODI series, was particularly effective, claiming three wickets while maintaining economical figures.
Will Jacks eventually completed the victory, with his bowling contribution complemented by an excellent catch from Joe Root.
England’s depth provides encouragement
The victory highlighted England’s growing competition for places ahead of the next ODI World Cup.
Banton and Cox both produced outstanding performances despite not being their side’s first-choice options in their respective positions. Both also contributed strongly in the field.
Dawson’s three-wicket haul further underlined England’s depth, giving the selectors additional options as the team prepares for increasingly demanding international assignments.
Brook described the performance as close to perfect, although he acknowledged that England had encountered difficult periods during the match.
The captain praised Cox’s late contribution and stressed the importance of adapting to varying conditions.
Brook also said having several players in form represented a positive selection challenge and could help create a stronger squad.
Jacks named Player of the Series
Will Jacks was named Player of the Series after making a substantial all-round contribution.
He scored 123 runs at an average of 61.5 and claimed six wickets at an economy rate of 4.15.
Jacks said he had focused heavily on rehabilitation after undergoing surgery and was delighted to return to international cricket.
He noted that the English pitches had offered assistance to spin but acknowledged that his role could change when England travel to Pakistan.
With the ODI World Cup approaching, Jacks stressed the importance of adapting to different conditions.
Root named England’s ODI Player of the Summer
Joe Root was recognised as England’s Men’s ODI Player of the Summer after accumulating 326 runs across the series against India and Sri Lanka.
Root said England were moving in the right direction with the World Cup approaching and expressed confidence in the team’s progress.
He also praised the squad’s response to injuries, highlighting the contributions made by players who stepped into unfamiliar or demanding roles.
Mendis admits Sri Lanka fell short
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis acknowledged that his side had struggled with the bat and produced some poor fielding.
Mendis said Sri Lanka had shown promise in the series, particularly in the second ODI, but failed to reproduce that performance in the decider.
He admitted that the middle order had not performed at its best and also referred to his own dropped catch, which gave Brook an opportunity to extend his innings.
Mendis praised Dunith Wellalage’s bowling and said Sri Lanka would need to learn from their mistakes before travelling to Pakistan.
Focus turns to Pakistan
England now bring their home campaign to a close before travelling to Pakistan for an ODI tri-series beginning on October 18, involving England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka also have additional commitments before the tri-series, including their Asian Games campaign and a three-match bilateral T20I series against Pakistan.
For England, the 2-1 ODI series victory over Sri Lanka provides a positive conclusion to a long home summer and further evidence of the squad’s depth with the next ODI World Cup on the horizon.