Sri Lanka bags consolation win against England

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka won the rain-affected 5th and final match of the ODI series against England by a whopping 219 runs according to the Duckworth Lewis method. After losing the series, the Sri Lankan batsmen finally found their form in Colombo as they posted their highest ODI score in 29 months and 62 matches and their highest ever ODI total against England. Taking full advantage of a very good batting surface and a slightly under-strength England attack, Sri Lanka plundered 366 runs for the loss of 6 wickets to give themselves a good chance of the first victory of the series. It is their highest total in this format since they scored 377 against Ireland in June 2016 and only the second time they have passed 300 in their 31 most recent ODIs. Given a fine start by Niroshan Dickwella and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who provided Sri Lanka's first-century opening stand since July 2017, Kusal Mendis then thrashed his first half-century since June 2017 before Dinesh Chandimal made his first ODI half-century in 18 innings. The inspiring performances of the top and middle order batsmen propelled Sri Lanka to 366 runs at the end of 50 overs. Chasing 367 runs for victory, England were off to a dismal start, losing 3 wickets for just 4 runs. Although Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes steadied the innings, Akhila Dhananjaya struck to clean up both the batsmen. England were 132 for the loss of 9 wickets in 26.1 overs when play was called off.