Banton ton powers England to crushing win over Sri Lanka and 2-1 ODI series triumph

London, 27 September 2026: Tom Banton produced a commanding century before England’s varied bowling attack dismantled Sri Lanka for 132 as the hosts completed a thumping 223-run win in the third ODI at The Oval on Sunday, sealing the three-match series 2-1.

Banton struck 126 from 105 balls – his maiden ODI century, while captain Harry Brook and Jordan Cox added rapid half-centuries as England piled up 355 for seven after choosing to bat first.

The total proved well beyond Sri Lanka, whose chase never recovered from a succession of early wickets. They were bowled out in just 29.1 overs, with Liam Dawson returning 3 for 26 and England’s other bowlers sharing the damage around him.

The scale of England’s victory reflected more than just the gap between the two totals. Their innings was built in stages: recovery after an early setback, acceleration through the middle overs and then sustained pressure from a deep batting order.

Ben Duckett was bowled by Dilshan Madushanka for a five-ball duck in the second over, leaving England six for one, and Joe Root was unable to provide his usual fluency, making 18 from 37 balls before Janith Liyanage trapped him lbw.

At 68 for two after 15 overs, Sri Lanka had an opportunity to dictate the middle phase.

Banton and Brook took it away from them.

The pair added 150 for the third wicket, gradually increasing the tempo before turning England’s solid platform into the foundations of a match-winning total.

Banton was particularly effective once settled. His 126 included 16 fours and five sixes and came at a strike rate of 120, combining placement with increasingly aggressive strokeplay as Sri Lanka struggled to contain him.

Brook complemented him with 77 from 66 deliveries, hitting nine fours and two sixes before Asitha Fernando broke the partnership with England on 218.

Banton followed at 242, caught off Sachindu Colombage, but Sri Lanka were offered little respite.

Cox ensured England did not lose momentum in the closing overs. The wicketkeeper-batter coming as a replacement to Jos Buttler due to injury, hammered 76 from only 52 balls, including six fours and two sixes, while Will Jacks contributed 25 from 21 and Jamie Overton finished unbeaten on 21 from 14.

England added 113 runs after Banton’s dismissal despite losing wickets along the way, finishing on 355 for seven at a run rate of 7.10.

Fernando was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler with 3 for 64, while Colombage claimed two wickets.

Any realistic Sri Lankan pursuit required a strong start, but England instead seized control almost immediately.

Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for one by Sonny Baker before Kamindu Mendis fell for 12 to Gus Atkinson.

Kusal Mendis briefly counter-attacked with 35 from 26 balls, including three sixes, but his dismissal to Atkinson left Sri Lanka 53 for three inside nine overs.

From there, the chase rapidly deteriorated.

Pavan Rathnayake was run out for 18 before Joe Root removed Charith Asalanka for seven. Two wickets fell with the score on 77, leaving Sri Lanka five down before the halfway stage of the innings.

Dawson then exploited the mounting pressure. He removed Dunith Wellalage and Sachindu Colombage before later dismissing Fernando to finish with three wickets from eight overs.

Sri Lanka never produced the partnership required to challenge England’s total. Liyanage made 19, Eshan Malinga 14 and no batter after Kusal Mendis reached 20.

The contrast with England was stark. The hosts had three batters score 76 or more, including a century, while Sri Lanka’s highest score was just 35.

England’s bowling performance was also notable for how widely the wickets were distributed.

Atkinson claimed two for 26, Dawson three for 26, while Baker, Root, Overton and Jacks each struck once. Jacks conceded only eight runs from 3.1 overs as England maintained pressure even when changing bowlers.

Malinga became the final wicket when he was caught off Jacks, bringing Sri Lanka’s innings to an end at 132 and confirming England’s 223-run victory.

Banton was named Player of the Match for his 126, while Will Jacks was named Player of the Series.

Scores in brief

England won by 223 runs and won the three-match ODI series 2-1

England 355/7 (50 overs): Tom Banton 126, Harry Brook 77, Jordan Cox 76; Asitha Fernando 3/64, Sachindu Colombage 2/71

Sri Lanka 132 (29.1 overs): Kusal Mendis 35, Janith Liyanage 19, Pavan Rathnayake 18; Liam Dawson 3/26, Gus Atkinson 2/26

Player of the Match: Tom Banton (England)

Player of the Series: Will Jacks (England)