SL vs ENG: Joe Root gave a masterclass display of both bat and ball to cement a strong comeback by England as they drew level in ODI series against Sri Lanka. England achieved a comfortable five-wicket win in the second ODI in Colombo, chasing down their target with four overs to go unplayed.
Sri Lanka’s Innings: Spin Web Chokes the Hosts
Sri Lanka, after electing to bat first, got off to a positive start with a boundary off the opening delivery. However, England struck early and quickly resorted to spin on the parched Colombo surface.
As early as the seventh over, Liam Dawson was introduced, followed by Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, and Jacob Bethell to unleash a spin-heavy attack for England. Well, the tactic simply worked wonders, maintaining the run rate in check and just piling on the pressure.
The fleeting aggression of Pathum Nissanka soon ended, and Kusal Mendis fell victim to a completely unnecessary run-out. Sri Lanka’s innings received a flicker once more when Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka fitted together a stabilising partnership, but England struck at regular intervals thereafter. Joe Root finished the innings in style, taking the last two wickets in the last over to bowl Sri Lanka out for 219 in 49.3 overs.
England’s Chase: Root Leads from the Front
England opted to adopt a cautious start while chasing the challenging target of 220, and Joe Root got England’s first boundary after an early wicket, and he looked fluent as he moved away to 18 from only 13 balls.
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Ben Duckett has been the epitome of strength behind the wickets, hitting some impressive shots against the spinner. England was in complete control during the first half of the chase. Sri Lanka managed to stage a comeback by taking quick wickets of Duckett and Bethell.
Root and Brook Steady the Ship
Root then set the pace of the innings in company with Harry Brook, calm and sure-footed against the turning ball. The half-century came in just 52 balls for Root, perfectly setting the pace to take England close to victory. Although Asitha Fernando and Jeffrey Vandersay affected late breakthroughs, England never lost control.
Buttler’s Finishing Touches
Buttler sealed the win in emphatic fashion, smashing an unbeaten 33 off 21 balls to guide England to 223/5 in 46.2 overs as they completed a dominant five-wicket win.
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Key Performers – SL vs ENG
Joe Root (ENG): 75 runs & 2/13
Harry Brook (ENG): 42 runs
Charith Asalanka (SL): 45 runs
Jamie Overton (ENG): 2/21
Dhananjaya de Silva (SL): 2/37
Brief Scores
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Sri Lanka: 219 all out in 49.3 overs
England: 223/5 in 46.2 overs
Result: England won by 5 wickets
Series Status: Levelled 1-1
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