LONDON: A masterclass in modern limited-overs batting followed by a ruthless spin-bowling exhibition saw England defeat Sri Lanka in the 3rd ODI by a staggering 223 runs at The Kia Oval.&nbsp;

The emphatic victory ensured the hosts sealed the three-match series 2-1, bouncing back in style after their hiccup in the second fixture.

The foundation of England&rsquo;s monumental total of 355/7 was anchored by <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/england-scored-355-7-as-tom-banton-hits-maiden-odi-century/8251-5-0">Banton&#39;s century</a>. The dynamic opener chose the perfect moment to register his maiden ODI hundred, hammering a sensational 126 off just 105 deliveries. From the moment Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bat, Tom Banton looked in pristine touch, punishing any width offered by the Sri Lankan pacers.&nbsp;

His innings, laced with elegant drives and inventive mapping of the boundary ropes, shifted the momentum irreversibly in England&#39;s favour. Banton found an able ally in skipper Harry Brook, who led from the front with an authoritative 77.&nbsp;

The duo dismantled the tourist&#39;s middle-overs strategy with sharp running and calculated boundary-hitting. Following their departures, wicketkeeper-batsman Jordan Cox provided the late-innings fireworks with a blistering 76, ensuring England crossed the 350-run threshold.&nbsp;

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, right-arm quick Asitha Fernando was the lone fighter, picking up 3/64, though his efforts could not stem the flow of runs on a true Oval surface.

Faced with a daunting mountain to climb, Sri Lanka&#39;s run chase never found its rhythm in the END vs SL 3rd ODI. The scoreboard pressure proved immediate and immense, leading to a frantic start that quickly snowballed into a batting collapse.&nbsp;

England&#39;s frontline seamers extracted early movement, but it was the introduction of left-arm spinner Liam Dawson that completely broke the spine of the Sri Lankan batting order. Dawson bowled with immaculate control and subtle variations, bamboozling the top order to finish with stellar figures of 3/26.&nbsp;

Fast bowler Gus Atkinson provided excellent support from the other end, extracting sharp bounce to claim 2/26. Sri Lanka had no answers to the disciplined English line and length, showing a lack of application as wickets fell in quick succession.

The visitors were eventually bundled out for a meager 132 in just 29.1 overs, capitulating under the lights to hand England one of their largest victories by runs in recent history. The 223-run margin perfectly reflected the gulf in class between the two sides on the day.

With the series trophy safely in hand, England&#39;s white-ball reset appears well on track, driven by the emergence of fresh centurions like Banton. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will need to urgently address their batting inconsistencies ahead of their next international assignment.

Powered by Banton's century, England defeats Sri Lanka in 3rd ODI action at The Oval by 223 runs to seal the series, while ENG vs SL 3rd ODI highlights a total collapse.

England Defeats Sri Lanka in 3rd ODI as Banton Hits Century

LONDON: An explosive batting display powered by a magnificent Tom Banton&#39;s century put the hosts in a commanding position as England scored a formidable 355 for 7 in <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/england-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-odi-preview-oval-host-decider/8227-5-0">England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI</a>.&nbsp;

With the three-match series deadlocked at 1-1 after Sri Lanka&rsquo;s gritty victory at Headingley, the deciding match at The Kia Oval delivered all the theatre expected of a winner-takes-all finale.

Having won the toss, England&#39;s captain Harry Brook unhesitatingly elected to bat first. The decision initially looked precarious when Dilshan Madushanka dismantled Ben Duckett&rsquo;s stumps for a duck in the second over. The tourists struck another vital blow when Janith Liyanage trapped the talismanic Joe Root leg-before-wicket for 18, leaving the home side stuttering at 68 for 2.

However, what followed was a batting masterclass that shifted the momentum entirely back to the hosts. Banton, showing immense maturity alongside his natural flair, found a perfect ally in captain Brook. The pair launched a devastating counter-attack, building a roaring 150-run partnership that stripped the Sri Lankan spinners of their control.

The defining moment of the afternoon belonged to Banton. Playing with breath-taking audacity, the opener targeted the extra-cover boundary to bring up his maiden ODI hundred off just 95 deliveries. The Oval crowd erupted as Banton raised his bat, celebrating a milestone punctuated by 16 boundaries and 5 sixes before eventually falling for a brilliant 126 to the leg-spin of Sachindu Colombage.

Brook played a true captain&#39;s knock, accelerating smoothly to hit 77 from 66 balls before Colombage struck again. Sri Lanka threatened a brief middle-order fightback as the surface continued to offer a hint of turn, but wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox ensured the platform was not wasted.&nbsp;

Making his case forcefully in the absence of the injured Jos Buttler, Cox bludgeoned a crucial 76 off just 52 balls to propel the run rate past seven an over in the death phases. Asitha Fernando was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, charging back late in the innings to claim 3 for 64, while Madushanka and Liyanage chipped in with disciplined opening spells.&nbsp;

Despite their fighting efforts in the field, the visitors face a mountainous task. Chasing 356 to clinch the series on British soil will require a monumental performance from the Sri Lankan top order against a refreshed England bowling attack featuring the pace of Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson.

With overcast skies threatening rain later in the evening, the tactical calculus for the second innings remains highly dynamic. Sri Lanka must execute perfectly from the first ball of the powerplay if they are to spoil the English party and pull off a historic series triumph.

Blasting his maiden hundred at The Kia Oval, Tom Banton's century lifted the hosts as England scored 355 for 7 in the England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI.

England Scored 355-7 as Tom Banton Hits Maiden ODI Century

LEEDS: Skipper Kusal Mendis spearheaded a dominant top-order batting display as Sri Lanka positioned themselves strongly in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/england-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-odi-preview-headingley-clash/8196-2-0">England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI</a> at Headingley.&nbsp;

After winning the toss and electing to bat first under breezy Leeds conditions, the visitors navigated early testing spells from the English pacers to reach a commanding 152 for 1 after exactly 25 overs. The tourists, aiming to bounce back from an 89-run defeat in the opening encounter at Chester-le-Street, adopted an aggressive blueprint from the outset.&nbsp;

Despite losing opening partner Pathum Nissanka relatively early in the powerplay, Kusal Mendis took total control of the innings. The Sri Lankan captain brought up an expansive half-century, combining elegant wrist-work with brutal lofted strokes to dismantle England&rsquo;s spin and pace variations alike.&nbsp;

By the conclusion of the 25th over, Mendis was well-set on 75 runs off 61 deliveries, punishing any lack of discipline from the English bowling attack. Partnering Mendis in a highly productive, unbroken second-wicket partnership was the versatile Kamindu Mendis. Promoted up the order, opener Kamindu anchored the innings with great maturity while matching his captain&rsquo;s scoring rate.&nbsp;

Showing immense competence against both Jofra Archer&rsquo;s raw pace and Rehan Ahmed&rsquo;s leg-spin, Kamindu reached his own milestone, sitting comfortably on 50 runs off 55 balls as the 25-over mark arrived.

England&rsquo;s captain Harry Brook rotated his bowlers frequently in an attempt to break the partnership, but the pitch offered minimal assistance to the home side. The lone breakthrough for the hosts came courtesy of Gus Atkinson, who bowled a fiery opening spell. Atkinson accounted for Nissanka, who got LBW after scratching his way to 25. However, Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton found it difficult to contain the run rate during the middle overs, while Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed were repeatedly milked for easy singles and boundaries.

With Sri Lanka motoring along at over six runs an over at the halfway point of their innings, the English team faces an uphill task to restrict the visitors to a chaseable target on a good batting surface.&nbsp;

For fans following the England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI, the next block of middle overs will be critical as England desperately searches for wickets to stall Sri Lanka&#39;s march toward a massive first-innings total.

In the England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI, twin Kamindu and Kusal Mendis half-centuries powered the visitors to a dominant 152/1 at the halfway stage at Headingley.

Kusal and Kamindu’s 50s Power Visitors After 25 Overs in ENG vs SL 2nd ODI

England will look to take an unassailable lead when they face Sri Lanka in the second ODI at Headingley on Thursday, September 24. Harry Brook&rsquo;s side won the opener by 89 runs at Chester-le-Street, leaving Sri Lanka needing a major response to keep the three-match series alive.

The England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI starts at 4:30 PM PKT. With Headingley expected to offer early movement for the seamers before becoming better for batting, both teams will need to adapt quickly to the conditions.

<h2>England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview</h2>

England arrives in Leeds with confidence after controlling large parts of the opening game. Their batting lineup combined stability with aggression, while Will Jacks produced a match-winning all-round display.

Harry Brook scored 67 in the first ODI, while <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/joe-root-achieves-major-milestone-in-international-cricket/8187-5-0">Joe Root</a> contributed 44 during England&rsquo;s innings. Jacks then added an unbeaten 46 to help England reach 265 before returning with the ball to dismantle Sri Lanka&#39;s chase.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 176, despite useful contributions from Kusal Mendis and Dunith Wellalage. Their batting will need to show greater consistency in Leeds, particularly against England&rsquo;s pace attack.

A second England victory would settle the ODI series, while Sri Lanka must win to take the contest into a deciding third match.

<h2>England vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Summary&nbsp;</h2>

England won the opening ODI by 89 runs after posting 265 all out in 48.1 overs at Chester-le-Street.

Brook led the middle order with 67 from 69 balls, while Root made 44. Jacks provided the late acceleration with an unbeaten 46 after England lost wickets during the middle overs.

Sri Lankan debutant Sachindu Colombage impressed with 3/44, but his side struggled to build momentum during the chase. Kusal Mendis top-scored with 42, while Wellalage added a quick 45 from 36 balls.

Jacks then produced the defining spell of the match. The off-spinner claimed five wickets for 22 runs, including three wickets in four deliveries, as Sri Lanka collapsed to 176 in 37 overs.

<h2>England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Key Match Details</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Match: England vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI</li>
	<li>Venue: Headingley, Leeds</li>
	<li>Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026</li>
	<li>Time: 4:30 PM PKT</li>
	<li>Series Score: England lead 1-0</li>
	<li>England Captain: Harry Brook</li>
	<li>Sri Lanka Captain: Kusal Mendis</li>
</ul>

<h2>England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Key Player Battles</h2>

<h3>Jofra Archer vs Pathum Nissanka</h3>

Archer did not take a wicket in the first ODI but generated considerable pace and pressure. Nissanka will be central to Sri Lanka&#39;s plans at the top of the order and will need to negotiate England&#39;s quicks during the early overs.

<h3>Joe Root vs Sachindu Colombage</h3>

Colombage was one of Sri Lanka&#39;s positives from the opener after claiming three wickets. Root&#39;s experience against spin gives England an important counter, particularly if the leg-spinner operates during the middle overs.

<h3>Will Jacks vs Charith Asalanka</h3>

Jacks enters the second ODI after contributing with both bat and ball. Asalanka, meanwhile, will need to provide stability in Sri Lanka&#39;s middle order and prevent Jacks from controlling the scoring rate with his off-spin.

<h2>England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Predicted Playing XIs</h2>

<h3>England Expected XI</h3>

Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

<h3>Sri Lanka Expected XI</h3>

Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (C), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

<h2>Watch England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI on tapmad</h2>

Cricket fans can follow the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/sri-lanka-tour-of-england-2026/1173811">ENG vs SL 2nd ODI live</a> on tapmad and stay updated with the action from Headingley. The platform provides live cricket coverage along with highlights and important moments from the series.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Watch live cricket in HD quality.</li>
	<li>Stream matches across supported devices.</li>
	<li>Catch match highlights and key moments.</li>
	<li>Follow live cricket action throughout the series.</li>
</ul>

Read our England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI preview as Harry Brook's side looks to seal the series at Headingley during the Sri Lanka tour of England 2nd ODI.

England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview Headingley Clash

MANCHESTER: England stand-in captain Harry Brook has won the ENG vs SL 3rd T20I toss and elected to field first against Sri Lanka in the final encounter of the series at Emirates Old Trafford.&nbsp;

Under an overcast Manchester sky, the hosts have opted to exploit any early moisture in the surface, leaning on their successful chasing blueprint to secure a series whitewash.&quot;We fancy a chase,&quot; Brook stated during the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/sri-lanka-tour-of-england-2026/1173791">ENG vs SL 3rd T20I</a> toss. &quot;Hopefully, we can restrict them to a low score and maintain our rhythm.&quot; England enters this final fixture with immense tactical momentum, holding a commanding 2-0 series lead.&nbsp;

After dominant performances earlier in the week, the English management has backed their aggressive style, keeping the pressure firmly on the visiting side. For Sri Lanka, the match presents a final opportunity to rescue pride and test their combinations before transitioning into the upcoming ODl leg.&nbsp;

Captain Charith Asalanka acknowledged the batting struggles that have plagued his side throughout the tour. In a bid to counter England&rsquo;s relentless powerplay bowling, Sri Lanka has made a key tactical alteration to their lineup, bringing in the unorthodox slinger Nuwan Thushara in place of Dushmantha Chameera.

The Old Trafford pitch displays a light covering of grass, hinting at reliable carry and bounce for the seamers early on, though it remains a generally true track for batting as the evening unfolds.&nbsp;

With the floodlights taking full effect and a packed Manchester crowd in attendance, Sri Lanka faces a steep uphill battle to post a defensible total against a highly confident England bowling unit.

<h2>England Playing XI for 3rd T20I&nbsp;</h2>

Jos Buttler (wk), Aneurin Donald, Harry Brook (c), Jordan Cox, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker.

<h2>Sri Lanka Playing XI for 3rd T20I</h2>

Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Tharindu Rathnayake, Eshan Malinga, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara

England won the ENG vs SL 3rd T20I toss at Emirates Old Trafford and elected to field, aiming to complete a 3-0 T20I series sweep against Sri Lanka.

ENG vs SL 3rd T20I Toss: England Opt to Bowl First at Old Trafford

BIRMINGHAM: Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to field first against hosts England in the highly anticipated curtain-raiser of the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/icc-women-s-t20-world-cup-2026/411/1">2026 ICC Women&rsquo;s T20 World Cup</a> at Edgbaston.

Calling under a slightly overcast sky, Athapaththu had no hesitation in giving her bowlers first use of a fresh Birmingham surface. The Sri Lankan camp aims to exploit any early atmospheric moisture and lateral movement before the pitch settles into a true batting deck under the floodlights later in the evening.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka fields a balanced side, heavily relying on their spin-heavy arsenal to choke the scoring rates once the initial seam threat subsides.

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted she would have also preferred to bowl but expressed confidence in her batting unit&#39;s ability to set a formidable target. The tournament hosts enter the global showpiece with an aggressive blueprint, leaning on explosive openers to maximize the powerplay overs.&nbsp;

Sciver-Brunt, leading the side with tactical acumen, confirmed that the English lineup features deep batting options structured precisely to absorb early setbacks. Ground curators at Edgbaston noted a light tinge of green on the track, which likely influenced Athapaththu&#39;s tactical decision.&nbsp;

However, with true bounce expected, the outfield remains lightning-fast, promising a high-scoring spectacle for the sell-out crowd. As the opening ceremony concludes, the umpires are walking out, and the hosts are ready to launch their World Cup campaign with willow in hand.

<h2>England Women Playing XI</h2>

Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

<h2>Sri Lanka Women Playing XI</h2>

Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Vishmi Gunaratne, Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/icc-women-s-t20-world-cup-2026-england-women-vs-sri-lanka-women-live/1140861">Watch Eng Women vs SL Women</a> live on tapmad.

Follow the Eng Women vs SL Women live updates as Chamari Athapaththu wins the toss and elects to field in the electric 2026 T20 World Cup opener.

Eng Women vs SL Women Live: SL-W Choose to Bowl

England defeated Sri Lanka in the 3rd T20I by 12 runs, as Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks produced a spectacular bowling show in the second innings to defend a low total. Earlier, the batting masterclass of Sam Curran helped England to post a respectable total, as other players failed miserably in the first innings.

Batting first, England had a horrible start as they lost 4 wickets inside the Powerplay. Besides Jos Buttler, the top order of England was removed cheaply, as Sri Lanka bowled tight spells in the first six overs. Losing Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton in quick succession was a huge blow for England, as the team was relying on them to provide a batting foundation.

However, the arrival of Sam Curran at number six stabilized the batting innings of England. He played a stunning knock in <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sri-lanka-vs-england-3rd-t20i-2026-match-preview-analysis/3354-2-0">3rd T20I</a>, showcasing his ability to bat under extreme pressure. The allrounder scored a brilliant 58 off just 48 balls, helping England to post a fighting total of 128 at the end of the first innings.

Coming out to chase the target, Sri Lanka started decently but lost the momentum after the Powerplay. The English spinners bowled in combination to put pressure on the home side, which struggled badly during the middle overs. Besides Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, no batter managed to put up any resistance in front of the confident English spin attack.

The performance of the lower middle order was especially disappointing because they gave their wickets away to Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell, who are part-timers in the English attack. As a result, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 116 runs, handing England a third straight victory in the T20I series. It allowed the visitors to seal the T20I series with a historic clean sweep, showcasing their perfect preparation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

England defeated Sri Lanka in the 3rd T20I by 12 runs. With this victory, the visitors sealed the series and completed a historic clean sweep over Sri Lanka.

Curran, Spinners Help England Seal Series Whitewash Against SL

Sri Lanka vs England 3rd T20I 2026 match preview with team form, player stats, head-to-head records, and expert analysis of this series finale.

Sri Lanka vs England 3rd T20I 2026 - Complete Match Preview

England secured the T20I series in the hills of Pallekele with a game to spare, beating Sri Lanka by six wickets under the DLS method in a rain-hit <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sri-lanka-vs-england-2nd-t20i-analysis/3317-2-0">Eng vs SL 2nd T20I</a>. A calm half-century from Tom Banton and a brutal counterattack from Harry Brook turned a revised chase into a controlled finish.

After choosing to field first, England conceded early momentum as Sri Lanka piled up 189 for 5 from their 20 overs. The home side attacked from the outset, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis setting the tempo before Pavan Rathnayake&rsquo;s late burst of 40 off 22 balls lifted the total. Charith Asalanka added late runs as well, but England&rsquo;s spinners stopped the damage from getting out of hand. Adil Rashid (1/25) tightened the middle phase with smart variations, while Liam Dawson (1/32) kept the scoring in check through his spell. However, Jofra Archer (2/42) was somehow expensive in his spell.&nbsp;

England&rsquo;s reply moved briskly before the weather intervened. At 57 for 2 after 7.2 overs, rain forced a break and reshaped the equation. The DLS adjustment reset the target to 168 from 17 overs, leaving the visitors with a steep asking rate on a damp surface.

Jos Buttler struck a fluent 39 to keep the chase on track but fell soon after the restart. That brought Brook and Banton together, and the tone changed immediately. Brook tore into the bowling, blasting 36 from just 12 balls, smashing four sixes and flipping the pressure in a matter of minutes.

While wickets fell around him, Banton held the innings together. He picked gaps, punished errors, and finished unbeaten on 54 off 33 balls. With the target within reach in the final over, Sam Curran closed it out with a six to seal the win and the series.

England now carry a 2-0 lead into the final match of Eng vs SL T20I series, with Sri Lanka left winless despite posting a strong first-innings total.

Eng vs SL T20I series ends with a DLS victory as Tom Banton 54* guides England to a six-wicket win in Pallekele and an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

England vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I: Tom Banton Seals Win for England

Matheesha Pathirana bowled exceptionally well in the last Sri Lanka vs England T20I match that was played in Pallekele. His performance was a positive sign for the Sri Lankan team, as they are confident that Pathirana will play a key role for them in the upcoming <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/icc-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-schedule-teams-live-streaming/3203-2-0">ICC T20 World Cup 2026</a>.

Speaking about the bowling plan for the match, Pathirana said that he didn&rsquo;t have anything specific in mind other than staying accurate. Initially, he was not even going to bowl in the Powerplay, however, the low target set by the team forced him to join the attack early in the innings.

&quot;Even though I&#39;ve practiced to bowl in the Powerplay, there was no plan as such for me to bowl there today. It just so happened that our score was lower than we wanted, so it was decided that I would bowl in the Powerplay.&quot; said Matheesha Pathirana.

The young Sri Lankan pacer then described his bowling practice routine, in which he simply worked hard to master a slightly altered action.

&quot;Honestly I didn&#39;t do anything major, just simple, basic things. The main thing was increasing the number of repetitions in practice. If there is any improvement, that&#39;s the reason. In terms of practice I increased it greatly.&quot; said Matheesha Pathirana.

When asked whether his release point had changed after the injury, Pathirana acknowledged that it had been automatically altered but said it is gradually returning to its original position.

&quot;Yes. In the recent past, I was playing with a fairly major shoulder injury. So I think my body just automatically changed the release point. Even now I am doing rehab in between matches, and I think that&#39;s why I&#39;m seeing an improvement, and so you can see that the release point is getting to what it used to be.&quot; concluded Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana has acknowledged that injury has altered his bowling arm release point. He gave the statement at the end of the first Sri Lanka vs England T20I match.

Pathirana Explains Bowling Adjustment After Injury Setback

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England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

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