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Joe Root has produced a stunning masterpiece at the R. Premadasa Stadium, reaching his 20th ODI century in the high-stakes series decider against Sri Lanka. On a Colombo surface that has challenged batters throughout the week, Root showcased his supreme technical proficiency, flicking a delivery through mid-wicket to reach the landmark and spark jubilant celebrations in the England camp. This innings marks a historic return to form in the 50-over format for the veteran, as he becomes the first Englishman to reach 20 centuries in One Day Internationals.
Masterclass in Colombo: Joe Root’s 20th ODI ton powers England toward massive total against Sri Lanka
In the critical third ODI on Tuesday, Root anchored the English innings with a flawless display of subcontinental batting. After England won the toss and elected to bat, they faced early pressure from the Lankan spinners, but Root’s arrival changed the complexion of the game. Combining his signature late cuts with a relentless use of the sweep shot, he navigated a tricky period alongside Jacob Bethell (65) to rebuild the innings. Root reached his century in the 45th over, sharing an embrace with captain Harry Brook as the Colombo crowd rose in appreciation. His 101* at that stage, supported by Brook’s aggressive cameo, pushed England to a formidable 269/3 with five overs remaining, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.
Earlier in the series, Root had been the lone bright spot for the visitors, scoring a fighting fifty in the first match and a match-winning 75 in the second. However, this century in the decider feels like a definitive statement ahead of the T20 World Cup. By reaching 20 ODI tons, Root has further distanced himself from the likes of Eoin Morgan and Marcus Trescothick on England’s all-time list, cementing his status as the country’s greatest multi-format batter. As the pitch begins to offer more turn and uneven bounce, Root’s century has likely provided England with enough runs to squeeze the Lankan chase under the lights.
Here’s how fans reacted:
🚨 HUNDRED FOR JOE ROOT 🚨
Joe Root scored a majestic Hundred in this Decider ODI match against Sri Lanka, His 20th ODI Hundreds.
– What a sensational Hundred by Joe Root. 🫡
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh)
Can Joe Root also break Sachin Tendulkar's 100 centuries records? He's just 35 years old, super fit & playing two formats.
— Vivek (@Hailkohli18)
Root just operates on a different planet doesn’t he. What a knock, again
— Matty (@mattylufc_)
ROOOOOOOOOOT👏👏Another terrific 100 from Joe Root off exactly 100 Balls👏Tough pitch too… he is the🐐
— BlueNoseBear⚽️🏏🐻💙 (@YouBearsssssss)
20th ODI Century for The Greatest Batter of All Time Joe Root. Joe Root's ODI Peak 2.0 Just Keeps On Getting Better. Carrying England As Always. Unreal Consistency
— Aryan Goel (@Aryan42832Goel)
It's a 6⃣1⃣st international century for 🤯
Once again he's showing his class with an outstanding innings 👏
— PCA (@PCA)
THIS IS WHAT HE DOES 👑
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy)
Joe Root joins the list of batters with 20 or more 100s in Tests and Odis
Sachin
Ponting
Sanga
Amla
AB
Kohli
Warner
*Root— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_)
🚨 MOST INTERNATIONAL HUNDREDS FOR ENGLAND 🚨
Joe Root – 61*
Alastair Cook – 38
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
2️⃣0️⃣th ODI hundred for Joe Root 💯✨
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Also READ: SL vs ENG: Here’s why Rehan Ahmed is opening the innings in today’s 3rd ODI in Colombo
Root and Harry Brook carnage powers England to 357/3 in 3rd ODI vs Sri Lanka
The final match of the series turned into a masterclass of subcontinental batting as Root and Brook dismantled the Sri Lankan attack with a record-breaking double-century stand. Root, who had already struck two fifties in the series, played the anchor role to perfection before accelerating late, finishing unbeaten on 110. His 20th century makes him the first Englishman to reach the mark, further solidifying his status as the greatest batter in the country’s history.
At the other end, Brook was simply unstoppable, racing from fifty to a hundred in just 17 balls during a late-innings blitz that included eight fours and six sixes. His final tally of 136* propelled England past the 300-mark for the first time in an ODI in Sri Lanka, surpassing the previous record of 298.
The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage, found little joy on a pitch that appeared much flatter than the treacherous surfaces of the first two matches. Earlier, Jacob Bethell provided a vital spark with a fluent 65 after the early departures of Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed, allowing Root to settle in and control the tempo. As the game shifted to the second innings, the sheer weight of runs, 357, looked set to overwhelm the Sri Lankan top order.
Also WATCH: Sri Lanka unveils ICC T20 World Cup 2026 trophy in a spectacular fashion at R Premadasa Stadium
