Joe Root produced a batting masterclass to steer England to a hard-fought five-wicket win over Sri Lanka, squaring the three-match ODI series in Colombo.
Chasing 220 on a difficult, turning surface, Root anchored the innings with a gritty 75, sharing a decisive 81-run stand with skipper Harry Brook. England crossed the line with 22 balls to spare as Jos Buttler finished the chase unbeaten.
Earlier, England’s spin-heavy attack paid dividends, bowling Sri Lanka out for 219, with no batter reaching a half-century. Root’s calm approach against spin proved the difference in a crucial must-win clash.