Banton scores maiden ODI century as England set Sri Lanka 356 to win in decider

England post a strong total

England and Sri Lanka met on Saturday, 27 September, in the third and deciding one-day international of their series, according to The Guardian. England won the toss, chose to bat first, and finished their innings on 355-7 from 50 overs, leaving Sri Lanka needing 356 runs to win.

How the innings unfolded

England's start was shaky — Ben Duckett was out for 0 in just the second over, bowled by Madushanka, and Joe Root was later dismissed LBW for 18. The innings then stabilised around a partnership between Harry Brook and Tom Banton, who gradually increased the scoring rate.

Banton reached his maiden international century, initially mistiming several reverse sweeps before mastering the shot and breaking into what the source describes as a broad smile upon reaching three figures. He was eventually dismissed for 126. Brook, who had earlier been dropped on 7, was out for 77.

After the dismissals of Banton and Brook, Jordan Cox — playing as cover for Jos Buttler — took over with an aggressive innings, scoring 76 runs off 52 balls, including 40 runs from his last 18 deliveries at one stage. His innings ended when he was bowled attempting a premeditated scoop shot.

According to the source, England reached 108-2 after 25 overs before accelerating to add 247 runs in the second half of the innings, though they lost further wickets along the way, including Will Jacks (25) and Liam Dawson, who was bowled for a duck off the final ball of the innings.

Context

The match is being played with heavy rain forecast, although conditions were dry at the start of play. The report notes that the pitch offered considerable assistance to both spin and pace bowlers, meaning England's total is regarded as well above par for the conditions. The outcome of the series remains open, with Sri Lanka now facing a substantial run chase to level the contest.