England levels the ODI series with an emphatic win
A classy display by England demolished Sri Lanka by 10 wickets and leveled the one day series between them. It was really a marvelous performance by the England side who had outplayed in the previous two matches.
After being delayed for a while by the rain, England put Sri Lanka in and reduced them to 20-4 with James Anderson impressively good. But 75-runs from Kumar Sangakkara who was the last to become out helped Sri Lanka to put 174 in 43.4 overs before the side was dismissed.
Captain Alastair Cook hit a wonderful 95 and remained unbeaten in the match. Craig Kieswetter who hit 72 along with Captain Cook ensured England’s victory with 23.5 overs.
With this victory England has managed to tie the one-day series at 2-2 and now Saturday’s match at Old Trafford will decide the result of the series. Despite of winning the first match, England was outplayed in the previous two matches and was lagging behind Sri Lanka.
England bravely made the most of seamer-friendly condition and reduced Sri Lanka to mere 174. Cook batted with authority and smashed to take 12 runs in the first over itself.
A brief rain delay in between reduced England’s target to 171 from 48 overs and it was never in doubt as Cook was feasting mercilessly on Lankan bowlers.
After reducing to 20-4, it was Sangakkara with the support of Randiv and thereafter Angelo who managed to put up 174 for Sri Lanka. But it was no where near enough to put pressure on England.
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