England’s collapse after chasing Sri Lanka’s target of 272 runs
A target of 272 runs is modest by ODI standards, yet it remains higher than usual for this ground; teams have successfully chased more to win an international match at this venue only three times.
In his first ODI appearance in Sri Lanka in over two years, Zak Crawley fell in a familiar fashion, scoring only 6 from a loose drive before Root and Duckett gave England a chance to progress.
Duckett initially looked unsettled, struggling with his timing. The left-hander scored 21 from his first 37 balls before finding a good rhythm after hitting a six. This was his highest score in any form of cricket since the final Test against India in July.
Root, an expert in these conditions, was excellent, rotating the strike and running hard. Yet, even at 129-1, England was not in complete control.
Duckett departed after a DRS review following a delivery from Jeffrey Vandersay, and Root fell to an LBW appeal from Dhananjaya de Silva that was delivered around the wicket. England collapsed.
Sri Lanka found increasing turn, and England found ways to get out. Brook charged Charith Asalanka and was stumped, while Bethell was bowled through the gate by left-armer Dunith Wellalage.
As England faltered, they found hope through Rehan Ahmed’s 27 runs, until he was cleverly caught by Wellalage in a difficult chance at long-on. Overton scored 34 from 17, although a heist seemed unlikely.
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