Third ODI - England v Sri Lanka (Old Trafford) 2014

England bowlers obliterate Sri Lanka

England 73-0 (12.1) beat Sri Lanka 67 (24) by 10 wickets (England lead Series 2-1)

England bowled Sri Lanka out for just 67 in what was an incredible bowling display before Alistair Cook (30*) and Ian Bell (41*) comfortably guided England across the winning line as they thrashed Sri Lanka by ten wickets.

My Opinion:

That was a shocker for Sri Lanka who had an absolute nightmare with the bat. Anderson took two wickets inside the first five overs, dismissing both Dilshan and Thirimanne to reduce Sri Lanka down to 13-2. Jordan struck three times during the next fifteen overs to send Sangakkara, Chandimal and Mathews back to the pavilion whilst Tredwell managed to dismiss Jayawardene lbw. This left Sri Lanka 60-6 in what was a truly terrible batting collapse. Their innings only lasted five more overs as they could only produce a further seven runs for their last four wickets. It really was a batting disaster. Four players moved into double figures but that really is the only positive that Sri Lanka could take from their performance.

On the other hand, England’s bowlers were brilliant whilst Chris Jordan took an impressive fifer. Tredwell contributed three wickets to the cause whilst Jimmy Anderson claimed the two openers. A very strong performance was capped by Cook and Bell, who comfortably and majestically saw England across the finish line without the loss of a single wicket. Great to watch and a really convincing victory has restored my belief in this England side. Hopefully, with two games to go, England can wrap up this Series with another victory which would be a welcome turn of fortunes for the England cricket team. 

Match Guide: Key Moments

England won the toss and elected to bowl.

Sri Lanka Innings:
(3) 4-1, Dilshan 2 (11), caught Buttler, Anderson.
(4.5) 13-2, Thirimanne 7 (16), 1 four, caught Buttler, Anderson.
(11.2) 32-3, Sangakkara 13 (23), 2 fours, caught Buttler, Jordan.
(15.4) 45-4, Chandimal 6 (15), caught Bell, Jordan.
(18) 58-4, Jayawardene 12*, Mathews 11*.
(18.1) 58-5, Jayawardene 12 (33), 1 four, lbw Tredwell.
(19.2) 60-6, Mathews 11 (12), 2 fours, caught Buttler, Jordan.
(21.4) 65-7, Priyanjan 2 (9), run out by Bopara.
(22) 65-8, Kulasekara 5 (13), caught Tredwell, Jordan.
(22.1) 65-9, Senanayake 0 (1), caught Sub, Tredwell.
(24) 67 all out, Malinga 2 (6), lbw Jordan.

Batsman of the Innings: Sangakkara 13 (33)
Bowler of the Innings: Jordan 5-29 from 8 overs.

England Innings:
(9.2) 50-0, Fifty partnership between Cook 24* and Bell 24*.
(12.1) 73-0, Cook 30*(40), 2 fours and Bell 41*(33), 4 fours, 1 six.
England win by 10 wickets and lead the Series 2-1.

Batsman of the Innings: Bell 41*(33)
Bowler of the Innings: Malinga 0-13 from 3 overs.