Jacob Bethell struck the maiden century of his professional career. England demolished Sri Lanka by a record-breaking margin at Southampton. His commanding 110 from 82 deliveries was a perfect reminder of his extraordinary promise. Outscoring the entire Sri Lanka batting lineup. Who were dismantle by Jofra Archer’s fiery new-ball burst. The result handed England a comprehensive consolation victory.
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At only 21, Bethell became the second-youngest Englishman to record a men’s ODI hundred. Anchoring a massive 182-run partnership with Joe Root, who cruised to his own effortless century. Sri Lanka, set an imposing 415 for victory, never looked likely to challenge the target. Especially after captain Temba Bavuma sustained a calf injury and was unable to bat.
A rapid collapse followed. It took a stubborn last-wicket stand of 15 runs just to avoid equaling their lowest-ever ODI total of 69. Archer made an immediate impact, striking with his second delivery as Aiden Markram edged behind. That early success triggered a devastating spell of 4 for 10 in seven overs. He removed Ryan Rickelton and Matthew Breetzke cheaply. While Tristan Stubbs fell in the slips as Archer consistently touched 93mph 150kph.
England vs Sri Lanka: Jacob Bethell Century, Archer Spell Seal Crushing Win
His pace and hostility left Sri Lanka’s top order in tatters, with Stubbs and Corbin Bosch both taking painful blows to the body. Brydon Carse joined the assault, dismissing Wiaan Mulder and Dewald Brevis, before Adil Rashid polished off the tail. England’s dominance have even greater has two simple catches. Captain Harry Brook hailed the performance as the ultimate display from his team.
While Bavuma admitted his side had endured a nightmare outing that didn’t represent who they are. Despite his disappointment, he left awkwardly lifting the series trophy Sri Lanka’s earlier wins has already seal the contest. Bethell, who had endured twin failures in England’s recent Test defeat to Sri Lanka, silenced critics who questioned his limited game time this summer.
His fluent 76-ball century demonstrated why selectors fast-tracked him into the senior setup. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, squandered the opportunity to hand England their first home whitewash since 2006. Resting Lungi Ngidi backfired badly, and their fielding was riddle with errors. Jamie Smith survived a simple chance at cover, while Nandre Burger’s drop of Bethell on 44 proved particularly costly.
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England vs Sri Lanka ODI: Bethell, Root, and Buttler Guide England to 400+ Total
Batting again at No. 4, Bethell counterattacked superbly against Keshav Maharaj, launching three sixes straight down the ground and punishing anything short. He reached his landmark hundred with a crisp cover drive and celebrated by racing towards the pavilion, arms aloft in delight. The innings confirmed him as one of the brightest young batters in world cricket.
Having now score fifty or more in four of his six ODIs this year, Bethell looks a certain starter in England’s white-ball side and a serious contender to challenge Ollie Pope for the No. 3 Test spot during the Ashes in Perth later this year. Root, operating in his trademark composed style, reached his 19th ODI hundred six clear of any other England batter from 95 balls. It was vintage Root: patient accumulation, clever running, and minimal risk.
He hit only six boundaries yet manipulated the field superbly with 50 singles, 10 twos, and two threes. England’s top order fired early after being inserted by Bavuma, cruising to 59 before Ben Duckett fell to a mistimed pull. Jamie Smith added a brisk 62 before holing out to long-on. Sri Lanka’s discipline disintegrated thereafter, and even late wickets, Bethell stumped off Maharaj and Brook run out once again, could not halt the run flow.
Jos Buttler’s explosive 62 from 32 balls and Will Jacks’ powerful stroke play ensured a thunderous finish, propelling England past 400 for the seventh time in ODI history. Sri Lanka’s misery was compounded by conceding 27 extras, including 19 wides, while Burger’s 0 for 95 became the most expensive figures ever by a Sri Lankan in ODIs.
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