Tom Banton smashed his maiden international hundred as England thrashed Sri Lanka by 223 runs in the third ODI at The Oval on Sunday to clinch the three-match series 2-1.
Banton anchored England’s imposing 355/7 with a commanding 126 off 105 balls, hitting 16 fours and five sixes. He shared a 150-run third-wicket partnership with captain Harry Brook, who scored 77 after being dropped on seven. Jordan Cox added a brisk 76 to keep England’s scoring rate high.
Sri Lanka’s chase never gathered momentum and they were bowled out for just 132 in 29.1 overs. Kusal Mendis offered brief resistance with 36, but England’s bowlers maintained control throughout. Liam Dawson claimed 3/26, while Gus Atkinson took three wickets to break Sri Lanka’s top order.
The victory was England’s biggest ODI win over Sri Lanka by runs, surpassing their previous 128-run margin in Perth in 1999. It also ended a difficult home summer on a positive note for England.
The result completed a 2-1 series win after Sri Lanka had taken the second ODI at Headingley.