Banton’s maiden century powers England to huge 223-run win over Sri Lanka

Tom Banton’s maiden ODI century and an impressive bowling performance from England saw Sri Lanka suffer a 223-run defeat in the third and final ODI at The Oval.

England, batting first, posted a commanding 355 for 7 in 50 overs, before Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 132 in 30 overs while chasing a massive target of 356.

The victory saw England win the three-match ODI series 2-1. England had also won the preceding T20I series, meaning Sri Lanka lost five of the six international matches played during the tour.

The main contributor to England’s huge total was Tom Banton, who scored 126 from 105 balls to register his maiden ODI century.

Banton and England captain Harry Brook put together an excellent 150-run partnership from 117 balls for the third wicket. Brook scored 77 from 66 balls.

Jordan Cox then produced a late-innings assault, scoring a rapid 76 from 52 balls to push England towards a formidable total.

England had reached 108 for 2 after the first 25 overs, but accelerated dramatically in the second half of the innings, adding 247 runs from the final 25 overs.

Sri Lanka’s chase came under pressure from the very beginning as England’s bowlers kept the batters under constant pressure. From 53 for 3, Sri Lanka quickly slipped to 77 for 5 before eventually being bowled out for 132.

Kusal Mendis top-scored for Sri Lanka with 35, including three sixes and two fours. He was the only Sri Lankan batter to pass the 20-run mark.

For England, Liam Dawson was the standout bowler, finishing with 3 for 26. Gus Atkinson and Sonny Baker claimed key wickets in the Sri Lankan top order, while England’s spinners later helped wrap up the innings quickly.

The result gave England a 2-1 ODI series victory, completing a successful limited-overs campaign against Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka ended their England tour with five defeats from six international matches.