Sri Lanka have dropped to sixth in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) One Day International (ODI) team rankings following the 1-2 series defeat at the hands of England in Colombo.

England defeated Sri Lanka in the final ODI of the series between the two sides in Colombo last evening, to claim their first ODI-series victory away from home since 2023.

England’s innings was dominated by unbeaten hundreds from Joe Root and Harry Brook. Root’s was a masterclass in anchoring an ODI innings after both openers fell cheaply. He reached his 20th ODI century off exactly a-run-a-ball, just as Brook was starting to tee-off at the other end.

Brook, having come in after Jacob Bethell had fallen for a well-paced 65, put his foot down after reaching his half-century with a six off the final ball of the 44th. It took him just 17 balls to go from 50 to three figures, repeatedly hammering boundaries over deep mid-wicket. Having reached his second freak ODI hundred of the winter with a four through cover, Brook whacked 34 off the final two overs of the innings to finish unbeaten on 136 off 66 balls, setting Sri Lanka a target of 358.

Sri Lanka went out aggressively from the start of the chase, scoring 48 off their first five overs. That approach gave England wicket-taking opportunities, with Pathum Nissanka holing out to Jamie Overton just after reaching 50, and Kusal Mendis slamming a drive straight to mid-off having scored 20 off nine balls.

Pavan Rathnayake kept Sri Lanka in with a small chance with his maiden ODI century, but the hosts were ultimately bowled out for 304, handing England a 2-1 series win.

Sri Lanka have now slipped down a spot following their consecutive defeats in the second and third matches. They are now equal with South Africa on 98 rating points.

While England’s position in the table hasn’t been affected by their series win, they have widened the gap between them and the West Indies below.

They now have an 11-point gap to the West Indies, and while not yet decisive, it should be enough to secure them automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup at the rankings cut-off point in March next year.

India top the rankings with 119 rating points.