COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, January 27 (ePRESS) – Young Sri Lanka batter Pavan Rathnayake struck a brave century, but England clinched the one-day international series 2–1 after beating Sri Lanka by 53 runs in a high-scoring match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where a combined total of 661 runs was recorded — the highest aggregate ever in an ODI between Sri Lanka and England.
Chasing a huge target of 358 runs, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 304 in 46.4 overs, losing the match by 53 runs. Rathnayake was the best performer for the hosts, scoring a fighting 121 off 115 balls with 12 fours and one six. He stood firm while wickets fell around him and tried to keep Sri Lanka in the chase until the end.
Earlier, England posted a massive 357 for 3 in 50 overs after being put in to bat. Captain Harry Brook played a stunning unbeaten knock of 136 off just 66 balls, hitting 11 fours and nine sixes. Veteran Joe Root also played a key role with an elegant 111 not out off 108 balls, while Jacob Bethell added 65 runs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the England batters on a good batting surface. Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dhananjaya de Silva picked up one wicket each, but England maintained a high run rate throughout the innings.
Sri Lanka began their reply brightly with Pathum Nissanka smashing 50 off 25 balls, and Kamil Mishara making 22. However, quick wickets slowed the momentum, and England’s bowlers kept pressure on the middle order.
Rathnayake then anchored the innings with a calm and responsible knock, receiving some support from Dunith Wellalage (22) and Janith Liyanage (22). But regular breakthroughs by Liam Dawson, Will Jacks and Adil Rashid ended Sri Lanka’s hopes.
For England, Dawson and Jacks took two wickets each, while Rashid and Overton also made important contributions with the ball.
Despite the defeat, Rathnayake’s maiden international century was the main positive for Sri Lanka in a match dominated by England’s powerful batting display.
ENGLAND 357/3 (50 overs)
Rehan Ahmed c Vandersay b Hasaranga …….. 24
Ben Duckett c Wellalage b de Silva ………… 7
Joe Root not out ………………………………… 111
Jacob Bethell c Liyanage b Vandersay ……. 65
Harry Brook (c) not out ………………………. 136
Extras (b4, lb3, w7) …………………………….. 14
TOTAL (50 overs) …………… 357 for 3
Did not bat:
Buttler †, Jacks, Curran, Overton,
Dawson, Rashid
Fall of wickets:
1–19, 2–40, 3–166
Bowling (Sri Lanka):
Asitha Fernando 9–0–77–0
Janith Liyanage 3–1–7–0
Dhananjaya de Silva 5–0–45–1
Wellalage 10–0–49–0
Hasaranga 10–0–76–1
Vandersay 10–0–76–1
Asalanka 3–0–20–0
SRI LANKA 304 (46.4 overs)
Pathum Nissanka c sub b Overton …………. 50
Kamil Mishara c Ahmed b Jacks …………… 22
Kusal Mendis † c Brook b Overton ………. 20
Pavan Rathnayake b Curran ……………….. 121
Charith Asalanka (c) c Brook b Rashid …. 13
Janith Liyanage run out (Brook/Buttler) .. 22
Dhananjaya de Silva c Brook b Jacks ……… 9
Wellalage c Jacks b Dawson ………………… 22
Hasaranga c Duckett b Rashid ……………… 9
Vandersay c Curran b Dawson …………….. 14
Asitha Fernando not out ………………………. 0
Extras (lb1, w1) ………………………………….. 2
TOTAL (46.4 overs) ………. 304 all out
Fall of wickets:
1–48, 2–85, 3–94, 4–131, 5–174,
6–202, 7–252, 8–264, 9–298, 10–304
Bowling (England):
Overton 4–0–48–2
Curran 5.4–0–44–1
Dawson 10–0–48–2
Jacks 8–0–43–2
Rashid 10–0–61–2
Bethell 5–0–28–0
Rehan Ahmed 4–0–31–0
Result: England won by 53 runs
Highlight: Pavan Rathnayake 121 (maiden ODI century)
Record: Highest aggregate in Sri Lanka vs England ODI history – 661 runs
(Picture courtesy: cricinfo)
