Sri Lanka leads 3-1

Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Angelo Mathews and Kumar Sangakkara stroked half-centuries as Sri Lanka surged pass England in a nail-biting finish to take a 3-1 lead in the seven-match ODI series at the R. Premadasa Stadium today.

England had their chances with Sri Lanka needing 43 runs off the last six overs, but lack of discipline in bowling and fielding saw England crashing to defeat with two balls to spare.

The win was set up by maestro Sangakkara and elegant Mahela Jayawardene, who together shared 98 runs for the third wicket before Mathews held his nerve to put the finishing touches in a close finish.

Sri Lanka needed 43 runs off the last six overs and Mathews (51 not-out) and Lahiru Thirimanne (19 not-out) who walked in after Sangakkara departed for a crafty 86, plundered 12 off Steve Finn’s over to bring the run rate down.

This was followed by what would have been a game changing over from Chris Jorden if only diving Alex Hales held on to a catch at third man to send Mathews back to the dressing room. Hales had his ground covered but the ball popped through his fingers much to the disappointment of the bowler.

With four runs needed off the last over Mathews struggled push the ball pass the close in fielders but pushed the fourth ball down the leg side to boundary to send the capacity crowd to the shouts of joy. (Champika Fernando)