England’s senior batter Joe Root has spoken highly of Sri Lanka’s emerging talent Pavan Ratnayake after the youngster produced a memorable century in the third One Day International at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Ratnayake scored a superb 121 under intense pressure as Sri Lanka chased a daunting target of 357 for 3 set by England. The visitors’ total was built on an unbeaten 111 from Root and a blistering 136 by Harry Brook. Although Ratnayake fought valiantly, Sri Lanka were unable to cross the line, with England sealing a 2–1 series victory and ending Sri Lanka’s unbeaten home ODI series run that had lasted since 2022.
Reflecting on Ratnayake’s performance, Root said the young batter showed impressive maturity and skill, particularly against spin bowling. He praised Ratnayake’s ability to rotate the strike, avoid prolonged dot-ball pressure, and still find regular boundaries, describing the innings as “really quite special.”
Root added that Ratnayake appeared destined for a strong international career, noting that Sri Lanka may have pushed the game even closer had one or two more batters been able to support him at the crease.
The praise came at the end of a dominant series for Root himself, who registered scores of 61, 75 and an unbeaten 111 across the three matches, reinforcing his key role as England continue their push toward ODI World Cup qualification.
Despite the series loss, Ratnayake’s century provided Sri Lanka with a clear sign of promise, earning recognition from one of the world’s most accomplished batters and offering hope for the country’s next generation of cricketers.
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