A goal of 272 was modest by the requirements of recent ODIs, however effectively above par at this venue – solely thrice have extra runs been chased to win a one-dayer on this floor.
Zak Crawley, taking part in his first ODI in additional than two years, was out in acquainted style – edging a drive at a large one for less than six, earlier than Root and Duckett gave England an opportunity.
Duckett regarded horribly out of contact, swishing and swiping. The left-hander had 21 from the primary 37 balls he confronted, then discovered rhythm after two fours in the identical over. This was his highest rating in any cricket for the reason that final Take a look at towards India in July.
Root, an skilled in these circumstances, was elegant, discovering gaps and working onerous. Nonetheless, even at 129-1, England weren’t totally in management.
Duckett was lbw reverse-sweeping the leg-spin of Jeffrey Vandersay, Root leg earlier than conventionally sweeping the off-spin of Dhananjaya da Silva delivered from around the wicket. England fell aside.
Sri Lanka discovered rising flip, England discovered methods to get out. Brook ran previous Chamira Asalanka to be stumped down the leg facet and Bethell – who struggled to fifteen off 32 balls – was stumped between bat and pad off left-armer Dunith Wellalage.
As England faltered, they got some hope by Rehan Ahmed’s 27, till he was brilliantly caught relay-style by Wellalage at long-off. Overton clubbed 34 from 17, although a heist by no means appeared probably.
