Banton’s Breakthrough: A Maiden Century to Remember
Tom Banton finally got the big one. After two half-centuries in the first two ODIs, he turned his good form into a match-defining hundred in the decider at The Oval.
Playing with freedom and clear intent, Banton raced to his maiden ODI ton off just 95 balls. He finished on 126 off 105, smashing 16 boundaries and 5 sixes before falling to leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage.
It was the kind of innings that changes series. Not just for the runs, but for the message it sent: England’s top order is firing at the right time.
England’s 355/7: Too Much for Sri Lanka
Banton wasn’t alone. Harry Brook chipped in with 77, while Dan Cox added 76 as England piled on 355/7 in their 50 overs.
That total was always going to be heavy on a good batting surface. But with England’s bowlers ready to strike, Sri Lanka’s task quickly looked near impossible.
The platform Banton set allowed others to play around him. The result was a total that felt out of reach before a ball was bowled in the second innings.
Sri Lanka’s Collapse: 132 All Out
Sri Lanka never got going. Chasing 356, they were bundled out for just 132, handing England a massive 223-run win.
There were no real partnerships. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and England’s bowlers never let them settle. For a side that had fought hard to win the second ODI, this was a sobering end to the series.
In the end, the margin said it all. England were simply too strong on the day.
Series Context: From 1-1 to 2-1
This wasn’t a straightforward series for England. They won the first ODI by 89 runs, only to see Sri Lanka hit back with a 16-run victory at Headingley.
Jos Buttler’s hamstring injury in the second game added to England’s worries, with Dan Lawrence called into the squad for the decider.
But at The Oval, England produced their best performance of the series. Banton’s century was the spark, and the rest of the side followed suit to close out a 2-1 series win.
What’s Next?
With the ODI series wrapped up, attention now shifts to what comes next for both sides. For England, it’s about building on this momentum. For Sri Lanka, it’s about regrouping after a heavy defeat in the decider.
The manner of this loss will sting. But so will the memory of Banton’s hundred for England fans — a performance that decided a series.
What was Tom Banton’s score in the 3rd ODI?
Banton scored 126 off 105 balls, his maiden ODI century.
What was England’s total in the 3rd ODI?
England made 355/7 in their 50 overs.
How did Sri Lanka respond in the chase?
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 132, losing by 223 runs.
Who won the ODI series between England and Sri Lanka?
England won the three-match series 2-1.
