England star batter Joe Root continued his brilliant form in ODIs and slammed a sensational hundred against Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI of the series. The 35-year-old played an unbeaten knock of 111 as the Three Lions posted an enormous total of 357/3 in 50 overs. The 358-run target would prove to be too much for the Lankan Lions and they would eventually be bowled out for 304, losing the match by a 53-run margin.
This was Root's 20th hundred in ODIs and his 61st ton overall in international cricket. He also reached over 22,400 runs across the three formats with the century. With this, Root overtook Brian Lara on the list of players with the most runs scored in international cricket. The England batter now stands eighth on the list and has Rahul Dravid in his sights.
Players with the most runs in international cricket -
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) - 34,357 runs
2. Virat Kohli (India) - 28,215 runs
3. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - 28,016 runs
4. Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 27,483 runs
5. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) - 25,957 runs
6. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) - 25,534 runs
7. Rahul Dravid (India) - 24,208 runs
8. Joe Root (England) - 22,413 runs
9. Brian Lara (West Indies) - 22,358 runs
Root named as Player of the Series
Root had played a key role in England's victory in the second ODI as well. Not only had he picked up two important wickets, but had also played a crucial knock of 75 as the visitors chased down the 220-run target with five wickets and 22 deliveries left to spare. This is the reason why he was adjudged as the Player of the Series as England won by 2-1. This was the first time in five years that Sri Lanka tasted defeat in an ODI series at home.
Brook's fiery hundred in 3rd ODI
Meanwhile, skipper Harry Brook also played a huge role in England's victory in the third ODI. He played an explosive knock of 136 runs from just 66 deliveries, including 11 boundaries and 9 towering sixes. He formed a partnership of 191 with Root and was named the Player of the Match following the Three Lions' victory.