Another emphatic run chase by the fiery English top order saw them sealing the series with a 6 wicket victory at the KIA Oval.
Skipper Mathews lost the toss once again and was put to bat by Eion Morgan. It was another belter of a pitch at the KIA oval but with the gloomy weather conditions England seamers were expected get some lateral movement in the air.
Opening partnership did not last long for the Lankans as Kusal Perera was smartly run out by Johnny Bairstow. It was not the start Lankans expected but they managed recover well through a century partnership between Dhanushka Gunathalika and Kusal Mendis. Kusal Mendis reached his second convective half century in just 44 balls. SriLankans finally showed more positive intent in their batting. However the rain put on hold the onslaught by Kusal and Dhanushka. Players were taken off he field after 18.1 overs and the SriLankans were cruising at 127 for 1.
After a long stoppage of play, players got back in the field but the umpires decided to reduce both innings by 8 overs each. Shortly after the restart Dhanushka reached his half century off 51 balls. Kusal Mendis was eyeing his maiden century but he was caught at long on off Adil Rashid, trying to up the ante. Dhanushka too followed shortly afterwards after a well made 62 runs. Adil Rashid once again getting the crucial breakthroughs for the hosts.
Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews carried on with an aggressive attitude. Dinesh Chandimal went on to score his third half century for the series as the Lankans were 212 for 3 with ten overs left.
Chandimal lost his wicket when he was on 63, tried to sweep it down the leg side and was clean bowled by Willey. Mathews for the first time in the series was there till the very end to guide his team to a commanding position. With the help of a valuable cameo from Dasun Shanaka and a flourish at the end from Mathews, SriLankans posted 305 for 5 in 42 overs. All the bowlers went all around the park but the big positive for the Lankans were that they were able to get runs off Adil Rashid.
The target was revised to 308 in 44 due to the stoppage of play during SriLankan innings. In form Alex Hales did not open for his side due to a slight back niggle and his place was taken by another fiery Opener, Moeen Ali. Ali couldn’t do much as he nicked one to Chandimal off Nuwan Pradeep.
SriLankans got the ideal start but with the batting power which England had in their tank, they had to keep on taking wickets at regular intervals. But that wasn’t the case for the visitors once agains as the English batters dominated. Joe Root missed out on the last few matches but himself and Jason Roy put up a massive 149 partnership for the 2nd wicket.
Joe Root made 65 runs off just 54 balls before he top edged a sweep off Dhanushka Gunathalika. However Jason Roy kept on the attack and he reached the magical three figures in just 74 balls. Roy’s second century in the series. Credit should go to Mathews for been more proactive in the field but it was rather a mediocre bowling performance by his bowlers.
England were cruising at 221 for 2 when Dhanushka pulled off blinder at cover point to get rid of Skipper Eion Morgan. Short and wide by Lakmal and Morgan cuts it right from the middle of the bat but Dhanushka flying to his right and snatched it.
With 77 runs needed off the last ten overs it looked as if the hosts would get over the line in a canter. Jason Roy got a lifeline when he was at 134 when Suranga Lakmal dropped him off his own bowling. It’s always hard for a fast bowler to react fast but SriLankans needed that to stick.
Roy almost carried his bat through the innings but he was deceived by a good slower delivery by Nuwan Pradeep and was bowled for 162 off 118 balls. The second highest individual score in the history of England ODI cricket.
The hosts got over the line with 11 balls to spare and 6 wickets in hand. Jason Roy was undoubtedly the Man of the Match for his match winning knock of 162. English batting line up looks far more different from what they have produced in the last few decades. They play more aggressive cricket and that has helped this young team to shine. Srilanka on the other hand have a few positives in the batting department but their bowling department lacked penetration and mystery they’ve always had.
