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, enjoying his first ODI in additional than two years, was out in acquainted style – edging a drive at a large one for under 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 because the final Check towards India in July.
Root, an professional in these situations, was chic, discovering gaps and working arduous. Nonetheless, even at 129-1, England weren’t absolutely 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 aspect 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.
