England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI 2026: Result and Series Decider
Published on September 27, 2026
Summary Overview: Tom Banton's maiden ODI century drove England to 355, and Sri Lanka collapsed for 132 as England won the 3rd ODI by 223 runs to take the series 2-1.
223-Run Rout! Banton's Maiden Ton Wins England the ODI Series
Who won and by how much?
England won by a massive 223 runs, posting 355 for 7 and then bowling Sri Lanka out for just 132.
What did it decide?
The series. With the ODIs level at 1-1, this was the decider, and England won it to take the series 2-1.
Who was the star?
Opener Tom Banton, who struck a brilliant maiden ODI century, backed by Harry Brook (77) and Jordan Cox (76).
Match Report: England Finish the Job in Style
England ended Sri Lanka's tour exactly as they began it, in complete control. In the deciding third ODI at The Oval in London, England produced a crushing 223-run win to seal the series 2-1, capping a tour in which they had already whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20Is.
For readers new to the game: with the ODI series level at one win each, this was a straight shootout for the trophy. England made sure it was never a contest.
Banton Leads a Batting Onslaught
Batting first, England were briefly wobbly at 68 for 2, but then took the game away with a blistering display. Opener Tom Banton was magnificent, bringing up his maiden ODI hundred on the way to 126 off 105 balls, laced with 16 fours and five sixes.
He shared a superb 150-run stand with captain Harry Brook, who made a fluent 77. Then, with Sri Lanka reeling, wicketkeeper Jordan Cox took over at the death. Handed his chance after an injury to Jos Buttler, Cox seized it with a dazzling 76 off 52, his first List A fifty, complete with an audacious reverse-scoop for four. England surged to a formidable 355 for 7.
For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando (3 for 64) was the only bowler with real reward on a punishing day in the field.
Sri Lanka Fold Under the Weight
Facing a target of 356, more than Sri Lanka have ever successfully chased in an ODI, the visitors needed a flawless day. They got the opposite.
Wickets fell steadily from the start, and although captain Kusal Mendis counterattacked briefly for 35, no one could build an innings. Left-arm spinner Liam Dawson was the pick with 3 for 26, while Gus Atkinson took two, and Sri Lanka were bundled out for a meagre 132 in 29.1 overs. The 223-run margin underlined just how one-sided the contest was.
Turning Point
The match turned on the 150-run third-wicket stand between Tom Banton and Harry Brook. From a slightly shaky 68 for 2, the pair launched a sustained assault through the middle overs that not only rebuilt the innings but set England up for a huge total. That platform allowed Jordan Cox to tee off at the death, and by the time England reached 355, the game was effectively over. On a target that was a record ask for Sri Lanka, their fate was sealed before they even walked out to bat.
Stat Corner
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Performance / Stats |
| Tom Banton | England | 126 (105), maiden ODI ton |
| Harry Brook | England | 77 (66) |
| Jordan Cox | England | 76 (52) |
| Liam Dawson | England | 3 for 26 |
| Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka | 35 (26) |
Innings Snapshot
| Metric | England | Sri Lanka |
| Total | 355 for 7 (50 overs) | 132 all out (29.1 overs) |
| Run Rate | 7.10 | 4.53 |
| Powerplay Runs | 50 | 63 |
| Result | Won by 223 runs | Lost |
The Full Squads
England Squad & Playing XI
| Role / Status | Players |
| Playing XI | Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jordan Cox (wk), Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker |
| Bench | Rehan Ahmed, Josh Tongue, Henry Crocombe, Dan Lawrence |
Sri Lanka Squad & Playing XI
| Role / Status | Players |
| Playing XI | Kusal Mendis (c, wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka |
| Bench | Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Kamil Mishara, Maheesh Theekshana |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the England vs Sri Lanka ODI series 2026?
England, who took the three-match series 2-1 by winning the decider at The Oval.
How many did Tom Banton score?
Banton hit a maiden ODI century, 126 off 105 balls, the centrepiece of England's innings.
Why did Jordan Cox play?
Cox came into the side as wicketkeeper after an injury to Jos Buttler, and made the most of it with 76.
Who was England's best bowler?
Liam Dawson, whose 3 for 26 led the demolition of Sri Lanka's batting.
How did England fare across the whole tour?
Dominantly. They whitewashed the T20I series 3-0 and then won the ODI series 2-1.
Related Guides and Series Coverage
📋 Sri Lanka Tour of England 2026: Full Schedule and Results