England stand one win away from securing a one day international series victory away from home for the first time in almost two years.
Their last success on the road in the 50 over format came in March 2023 with a 2-1 series win in Bangladesh. Since then, England have lost four consecutive bilateral series.
That sequence has been accompanied by a disappointing World Cup defence in India, where they exited in the group stage, followed by another early departure at the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Those bilateral defeats include two separate 2-1 losses in the West Indies and comprehensive 3-0 defeats in India and New Zealand.
The prospect of a fifth straight series loss appeared likely after England were beaten by 19 runs in the opening match against Sri Lanka. Chasing 272 in Colombo, Harry Brook was stumped for six during a collapse of five wickets for 36 runs.
England responded in the second match. Brook and Joe Root played central roles as England ended an 11 match run without an away victory in the format.
They chased down a target of 220 with five wickets in hand and 15 balls remaining, keeping the series alive heading into the final match.
