Sri Lanka drop to sixth in the ODI team rankings after losing the series to England

Sri Lanka have slipped to sixth in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) One-Day International (ODI) team rankings after a 1-2 defeat by England in Colombo.

England beat Sri Lanka in the final ODI of the series in Colombo yesterday evening to claim their first ODI series win away from home since 2023.

England's innings was dominated by unbeaten centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook. Although both openers were dismissed for low scores, Root's best performance was anchoring an ODI innings. By the time Brook started to tee off at the other end, he had scored his 20th ODI century.

Brook, who came after Jacob Bethel was dismissed for a fine 65, put his foot down after bringing up his half-century with a six off the last ball of the 44th over. It took him just 17 balls to get from 50 to three figures, repeatedly hitting fours through deep mid-wicket. Brooke, who scored his second freak ODI century of the winter, scored 34 runs in the last two overs of the innings to complete an unbeaten 136 off 66 balls to set Sri Lanka a target of 358.

Sri Lanka were aggressive from the start of the chase and scored 48 runs in their first five overs. That approach gave England chances to take wickets, with Pathum Nissanka hitting Jamie Overton soon after his 50 and Kusal Mendis hitting straight to mid-off for a nine-ball 20.

Pawan Ratnayake's maiden ODI century kept Sri Lanka in the game with a slim chance, but eventually the hosts were bowled out for 304, giving England a 2–1 series win.

Sri Lanka are now down one place after back-to-back defeats in the second and third matches. They are now level with South Africa with 98 ranking points.

Although England's position in the rankings has not been affected by their series win, it has widened the gap between them and the West Indies.

They now have an 11-point lead over the West Indies, which, while not yet decisive, should be enough to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup at the ranking cut-off point in March next year.

India topped the rankings with 119 ranking points.