Banton’s century drives England to ODI series victory over Sri Lanka

Key Takeaways

Tom Banton scores his maiden England hundred, setting the tone for the win.
England’s total of 355-7 proves too much for Sri Lanka, who are dismissed for 132.
The victory marks England’s fifth consecutive series win across all formats.

Tom Banton’s century in the third One-day International (ODI) at the Oval laid the foundation for England’s 223-run series-clinching victory over Sri Lanka. Banton’s 126 was the cornerstone of England’s imposing total of 355-7, setting the stage for a comprehensive win.

Together with England captain Harry Brook, who made 77 after being dropped on seven, Banton shared a third-wicket partnership of 150. Their performance was instrumental in England’s dominance, as Sri Lanka struggled to chase down the target of 356.

Sri Lanka’s batting collapse was evident from the start, with Pathum Nissanka being caught behind off Sonny Baker in the second over. The visitors were further hampered by wickets falling to the pace bowlers, including Kamindu Mendis (12) and Kusal Mendis (36).

England’s victory, which saw them take the three-match series 2-1, was also their record ODI win against Sri Lanka in terms of runs, surpassing their 128-run win at Perth in 1999. The win came after a turbulent home season, with the international retirement of former Test captain Ben Stokes and the sacking of Brendon McCullum as their red-ball coach.

Banton, fresh from his 73 on Thursday, went into the 90s with an audacious reverse-swept six off leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage. His superb 105-ball innings, including 16 fours and five sixes, finally came to an end when he holed out to long-on off Colombage. Banton’s commanding 126 was his first century in 53 limited-overs appearances for England.

England had an early let-off in their dominant innings when Brook, who had made just seven, edged Dunith Wellalage to wicketkeeper Kusal, who failed to hold the chance. Brook took full advantage of that escape, going on to complete a 49-ball fifty. England’s victory was a near-perfect performance, according to Harry Brook, who hailed the win as an exceptional achievement.

Sri Lanka’s captain Kusal Mendis acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, “We struggled with the batting and then we made some mistakes in the field, including me. I think we played good cricket in the second ODI and when go to Pakistan after this, we need to be better.”

England’s victory ended a turbulent home season on a positive note and marked their fifth consecutive series win across all formats, with McCullum – still England’s limited overs coach – presiding over T20 and ODI triumphs against both India and Sri Lanka.