England seal series win despite Pavan Rathnayake’s maiden ODI ton

England defeated Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the third and final One Day International to secure a 2-1 series win at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo.

23-year-old Pavan Rathnayake scored his maiden century in Sri Lanka’s chase of 358 but the rest of the batters failed to support him to cross the line and secure the victory.

Rathnayake was the last man to be dismissed for 121 off 115 deliveries.

Opener Pathum Nissanka scored a 25-ball 50 but without any telling partnerships, Sri Lanka lost their way in the tricky chase and were bowled out for 304 in 46.4 overs.

Earlier, Joe Root and Harry Brook scored impressive centuries to help England post 357/3 in their allotted 50 overs.

England won the toss and elected to bat first but lost openers Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed early.

However, Root and Jacob Bethell rebuilt, with the latter scoring 65 off 72 balls before Root brought up his century.

Brook then put the Sri Lanka bowlers to the sword as he smashed an unbeaten 136 off 66 balls, while Root finished on 111 not out off 108 balls.

Dhananjaya de Silva, Jeffrey Vandersay and Wanindu Hasaranga picked a wicket apiece.

Heading into the match, the series was level at 1-1, with Sri Lanka winning the opening match but lost the second two days later.

Sri Lanka will now take on England in a three-match Twenty20 International series starting on Friday in Kandy.