England seal Sri Lanka series
England has clinched the five match one-day series against Sri Lanka, with a comfortable 5 wicket win in Colombo.
The win was set up by the bowlers. The home side never got going after falling to 3/20. Jimmy Anderson capturing the wickets of Sanath Jayasuriya(3) and Mahela Jayawardene(0).
Kumar Sangakkara and Chamara Silva combined for a partnership of 126. The going was tough however, with the pair struggling to get on top of England’s second string bowlers. Silva went first, out for 67, while Sangakkara followed two overs later.
Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order could not undo the damage already done, with a moderate target of 212 set. Anderson finished with 3/33 off his 10, with Ryan Sidebottom claiming 3/27.
The home side needed early wickets but it was the patience of Alistair Cook that dictated England’s chase. Cook made a carefully compiled 80 off 123, while Kevin Pietersen was typically more forceful, finishing with 63 not out off 75 balls.
The only glimmer of hope came when Dilshan Fernando(2/38 off 10) removed Cook and Paul Collingwood off successive balls. However, with only 18 runs needed, there would be no miracle comeback.
England lead the series 3-1, with one match remaining. The series victory is England’s first in Sri Lanka.
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