ENG vs SLThe ODI series between England and Sri Lanka has concluded, with hosts England winning the series 2-1. The third and final match was played at The Oval on September 27, where England handed Sri Lanka their heaviest defeat against them to date.
This resounding victory was particularly special as it was scripted on the birthday of England's white-ball coach, Brendon McCullum. McCullum celebrated his 45th birthday on September 27 the very day of the match. Indeed, what greater gift could a coach ask for than seeing his team record their biggest-ever victory against the opposition?
England's Biggest Victory Over Sri Lanka
England defeated Sri Lanka by 223 runs in the third and final ODI. This marks their biggest victory over Sri Lanka in terms of runs to date. Batting first, England scored 355 for 7 in their 50 overs. In reply, the Sri Lankan team could not even last 30 overs—let alone the full 50—and was bowled out for 132 in 29.1 overs.
Banton Hits Maiden International Century
Batsman Tom Banton played a pivotal role in England's victory, smashing a century off 95 balls. Opening the batting, Banton faced a total of 105 deliveries, scoring 126 runs with the help of 16 fours and 5 sixes.
This marks not only his first century of the current series but also the first of his international cricket career. Banton was also named Player of the Match for this impressive innings.
Banton took 6 years to score his maiden century
Tom Banton made his international cricket debut in 2019, but he had to wait six years to score his first century. With this century, Banton also became the highest run-scorer in the ODI series against Sri Lanka; he amassed 209 runs across three ODIs at an average of 69.66.
Will Jacks bags this award
Despite being the highest run-scorer, Tom Banton did not receive the 'Player of the Series' award. That honor went to England all-rounder Will Jacks, who scored 123 runs and claimed five wickets during the series against Sri Lanka.
A big victory as a birthday gift for the coach
England defeated Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the first ODI, but Sri Lanka bounced back to level the series in the second match. In the third and final ODI, England defeated Sri Lanka by 223 runs marking their biggest victory against Sri Lanka and their fifth-largest win by runs against any team. With this, England not only clinched the series but also presented coach Brendon McCullum with a magnificent gift in the form of a resounding victory.
Also Read: Virat Kohli scored a century of this kind for the first time
