Sri Lanka vs England Live Commentary
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Sri Lanka vs England Live Commentary
SL vs ENG 1st ODI Live Commentary - Colombo (22 January 2026)
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Live
Sri Lanka
271-6 (50.0)
Play In Progress
England need 116 runs in 80 balls at 8.7 rpo
England
156-3 (36.4)
*
SL • 1st innings
271/6
ENG • 2nd innings
156/3
All
Overs
W
6s
4s
36.1
1
Charith Asalanka to Harry Brook
Full-length delivery, on middle, turning in. Brook goes deep into his crease and tucks it to square leg for one.
36.2
1
Charith Asalanka to Jacob Bethell
Flighted, fuller, just outside off, Bethell attempts to send it downtown, but gets the connection from the toe end of his bat. The ball loops and drops much short of the long off fielder. Single taken.
36.3
0
Charith Asalanka to Harry Brook
Fuller, on off, Brook comes down the track and blocks it down.
36.4
0
Charith Asalanka to Harry Brook
No run.
35.1
1
Dunith Wellalage to Harry Brook
A tad shorter, on middle, Harry Brook rocks back and flicks it to short fine leg for a single.
35.2
1
Dunith Wellalage to Jacob Bethell
Pitches it up, does Dunith. Outside off, Jacob skips down the track and tucks it to deep square leg for a single.
35.3
0
Dunith Wellalage to Harry Brook
Short around off, Harry Brook fends it to cover.
35.4
0
Dunith Wellalage to Harry Brook
Fullish, around off, Brook leans on the delivery and defends it down.
35.5
1
Dunith Wellalage to Harry Brook
Full, on middle and leg, Harry tuks it to deep suqare leg for a comfortable single.
35.6
0
Dunith Wellalage to Jacob Bethell
Fullish, outside off, Jacob eases it to short extra cover for no runs.
Till Now Score: 154/3
(36 Overs)
J Bethell
14(30)
H Brook
5(9)
D Wellalage
7-0-22-0
Over 36 ·154 Runs
1
1
0
0
1
0
34.1
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Harry Brook
Fuller, on off, Harry tucks it to mid-wicket.
34.2
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Harry Brook
Tossed up, fuller, on off, Harry comes down the track and drives it to long on for a single.
34.3
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jacob Bethell
Full, on off, Jacob drives it gently to cover.
34.4
4
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jacob Bethell
FOUR! HAMMERED AWAY! Too short and straight on a middle stump line. Bethell goes deep in the crease and unleashes a flat pull. It hangs in the air for a while but lands safely in the gap in front of square, beating Nissanka who sprints to his left from deep mid-wicket. 150 COMES UP FOR ENGLAND!
34.5
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jacob Bethell
Short, outside off, Jacob drives it to extra cover.
34.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Jacob Bethell
Fuller, with some flight, outside off, Jacob leans on the delivery and pushes it to short extra cover.
Till Now Score: 151/3
(35 Overs)
J Bethell
13(28)
H Brook
3(5)
de Silva
8-0-22-1
Over 35 ·151 Runs
0
1
0
4
0
0
33.1
1
Dunith Wellalage to Harry Brook
Short, around off, Brook punches it toward wide long off for a single.
33.2
0
Dunith Wellalage to Jacob Bethell
Some turn off the track now! Short and turning sharply in from outside off. Bethell stays back, plays at it off the back foot and gets a bottom edge back onto his pads.
33.3
0
Dunith Wellalage to Jacob Bethell
Full, outside off, Jacob Bethell tucks it to mid-wicket.
33.4
0
Dunith Wellalage to Jacob Bethell
Full, on off, Jacob pushes it to cover.
33.5
0
Dunith Wellalage to Jacob Bethell
Full and outside off, Bethell steps out of the crease and yorks himself. he jams it back to the bowler.
33.6
0
Dunith Wellalage to Jacob Bethell
Full, around off, Jacob pushes it to cover.
Till Now Score: 146/3
(34 Overs)
J Bethell
9(24)
H Brook
2(3)
D Wellalage
6-0-19-0
Over 34 ·146 Runs
1
0
0
0
0
0
32.1
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Full, middle, Root drives it to short mid-wicket.
32.2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Short, on leg, Root misses his flick and wears on his front pad.
32.3
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Fuller, around leg, Joe flicks it to short fine leg.
32.4
W
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
OUT! LBW! Sri Lanka finally manage to dismiss Root. The round the wicket angle does the trick for Dhananjaya de Silva. He gives it plenty of air, lands it right in line with the stumps and beats Root on the sweep and is rapped on the pads. There's a huge appeal for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head in denial. However, after a long discusion Sri Lanka opt for the review. The UltraEdge shows no bat involvement and the Ball tracking pops up three reds with the ball projected to hit the top of the middle and leg stumps. The on-field decision has been changed to OUT. Joe Root has to depart, scoring a strong 61 off 90 balls and England are 144 for 3 now.
32.5
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Harry Brook
Full, on middle, Brook leans on the delivery and defends it down.
32.6
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Harry Brook
A touch shorter, on leg, Brook flicks it to square leg for a single. End of an exceptional over from Dhananjaya de Silva, picking a wicket of Joe Root and giving only a single!
Till Now Score: 145/3
(33 Overs)
H Brook
1(2)
J Bethell
9(19)
de Silva
7-0-17-1
Over 33 ·145 Runs
0
0
0
W
0
1
31.1
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Tossed up, just outside off, Root lunges and drives to long off for a single.
31.2
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Risky single! Full on off stump, eased with soft hands into the extra cover region for a quick single. Nissanka charges in, dives, but cannot release the ball in time.
31.3
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Full, on leg, Root clips it to deep square leg for a single.
31.4
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Short, around off, Jacob leaves it alone to the keeper.
31.5
2
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Full and outside off, Bethell notices mid off inside the ring and charges down the track. He gets to the pitch but toe ends the lofted shot, just managing to clear the backtracking fielder, and it drops safely for a couple, as Nissanka sprints and flicks the ball in before the ropes to save two for his side.
31.6
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Full, on off, Jacob defends it down.
Till Now Score: 144/2
(32 Overs)
J Bethell
9(19)
J Root
61(86)
J Vandersay
7-0-32-1
Over 32 ·144 Runs
1
1
1
0
2
0
30.1
0
Charith Asalanka to Jacob Bethell
Fuller, just outside off, Bethell rocks back and slaps it to cover.
30.2
1
Charith Asalanka to Jacob Bethell
Fuller, just outside off, Bethell hangs on his back foot and steers it to the left of the backward point fielder for a single.
30.3
0
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Fuller, just outside the leg stump, Root misses his flick and the ball pings on his pad.
30.4
1
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Full, on middle, Joe sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
30.5
1
Charith Asalanka to Jacob Bethell
A touch fuller, just outside off, Jacob punches it from his backfoot to the left of the mid off fielder for single.
30.6
1
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Short, on leg, Root nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Till Now Score: 139/2
(31 Overs)
J Root
59(84)
J Bethell
6(15)
C Asalanka
5-0-26-0
Over 31 ·139 Runs
0
1
0
1
1
1
29.1
1WD
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
WIDE! Spins sharply down leg, on a fuller length. Left alone by Bethell.
29.1
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Much fuller, on middle, drilled back to the bowler.
29.2
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Full and wide outside off, Jacob is sucked into the front foot drive, but gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.
29.3
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Nice and full, pushed through, on off, blocked off.
29.4
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Draws the front foot forward and forces the full ball to extra cover.
29.5
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
A leg break, short and outside off, Jacob rocks back and knocks it to short cover.
29.6
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Sharply spins in from off, on a length, Jacob gets back and across in the crease and punches it down to long on for a single.
Till Now Score: 135/2
(30 Overs)
J Bethell
4(12)
J Root
57(81)
J Vandersay
6-0-27-1
Over 30 ·135 Runs
1WD
0
0
0
0
0
1
28.1
0
Charith Asalanka to Jacob Bethell
Arm ball, full and on off, Jacob prods forward and blocks it back to the bowler.
28.2
1
Charith Asalanka to Jacob Bethell
On a length, around off, punched away to long off for a single.
28.3
0
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
An arm ball, from around the stump, across off. Joe goes back into the crease and blocks it to the off side.
28.4
1
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Full on middle, Root clips it to the right of the mid-wicket fielder for a single.
28.5
0
Charith Asalanka to Jacob Bethell
Flat and full, on off, Bethell presents full face and drives it straight to cover.
28.6
1
Charith Asalanka to Jacob Bethell
Shortens the length a bit, sliding onto the pads, Bethell hangs deep in the crease and tucks it to the left of mid on for a single.
Till Now Score: 133/2
(29 Overs)
J Bethell
3(6)
J Root
57(81)
C Asalanka
4-0-22-0
Over 29 ·133 Runs
0
1
0
1
0
1
27.1
W
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
OUT! LBW! A wicket against the run of play for Sri Lanka, and Vandersay does that job for the hosts. Dishes out a leg break, fractionally fuller, on the leg stump line and it spins back in. Ben Duckett tries to reverse sweep it to the off side, but misses and wears it on the back thigh pad. A huge appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger. The Lankans are up as one but Duckett goes upstairs for a review straightaway. Duckett sees one of the replays and starts to walk off. UltraEdge comes up, shows a flat line. Ball Tracking confirms that the ball has pitched on the leg stump line, and is projected to smash the leg stump. The on-field decision is upheld. England lose a review. Ben Duckett departs after a brilliant 62 (76) and England are 129/2, needing 143 more.
27.2
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Full and tossed up nicely, on off, Jacob Bethell leans on and smothers the spin.
27.3
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Jacob Bethell
Too full, on off, Bethell drills it through wide mid on for a single and gets off the mark.
27.4
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Skiddy delivery, in front of middle, on a length. Root backs away, plays it late and manages to keep it out to cover.
27.5
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
BEAUTY! Prodigious turn on a fuller length, spins square and beats Root's attempted front foot drive to the off side. Kusal Mendis collects the ball and whips the bails off, but Root's feet never left the crease.
27.6
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Touch short, outside off, spinning away. Joe hangs back and glides it to short third. An excellent over from Vandersay.
Till Now Score: 130/2
(28 Overs)
J Root
56(79)
J Bethell
1(2)
J Vandersay
5-0-25-1
Over 28 ·130 Runs
W
0
1
0
0
0
26.1
3
Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett
Over the wicket, short of a length outside leg stump. Ben tucks it off the pads to the right of deep mid-wicket. Nissanka gets across in time and cuts it off before the ropes, and the batters pick up three runs.
26.2
1
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
Short of a good length, on middle, Root tucks it through widish mid-wicket for a single.
26.3
0
Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett
On a nagging length, on middle, Duckett stands tall, flat bats it off the inner half, as the ball rolls back to the bowler.
26.4
1
Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett
Slower ball, on a length, around middle and leg, Duckett works it gently down to long on for a single.
26.5
0
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
Excellent stop! The Lankans may not have got the wickets, but they have been spot on with their ground fielding so far. On a back of a length, outside off, Root rides the bounce and cuts it to backward point, where Pavan Rathnayake dives to his right and makes a sharp stop.
26.6
4
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
FOUR! Through the gap! The maestro continues to pile on the runs. Pitched short, on middle, Joe Root waits for the ball to arrive and pulls it to the gap between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
Till Now Score: 129/1
(27 Overs)
J Root
56(76)
B Duckett
62(75)
A Fernando
5-1-21-1
Over 27 ·129 Runs
3
1
0
1
0
4
25.1
1
Kamil Mishara to Ben Duckett
Around middle and leg, Duckett clips the full ball through mid-wicket for a single. The 100-run partnership comes up between the two!
25.2
1
Kamil Mishara to Joe Root
Full and down leg, swept to deep backward square leg for a single.
25.3
0
Kamil Mishara to Ben Duckett
Into the blockhole, around off, carved away to short cover.
25.4
0
Kamil Mishara to Ben Duckett
Outside off, tossed up on a fuller length, driven hard off the front foot to cover.
25.5
6
Kamil Mishara to Ben Duckett
SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! Targets the part-timer with conviction. Duckett shimmies down the track and hoists the full ball downtown for a massive six.
25.6
1
Kamil Mishara to Ben Duckett
Short, outside off, Ben Duckett backs away to create room and cuts it to deep point for an easy single.
Till Now Score: 120/1
(26 Overs)
B Duckett
58(72)
J Root
51(73)
K Mishara
1-0-9-0
Over 26 ·120 Runs
1
1
0
0
6
1
24.1
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Draws his front foot ahead and drives the full ball to cover.
24.2
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Leg break, short, on middle, Root hangs back and cuts it to deep point for a single.
24.3
4
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
FOUR! Don't bowl him there! Flights a googly, full and on middle and leg. Duckett reads the wrong'un and sweeps it over square leg for a boundary. A four for England after 50 balls.
24.4
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
Short, on middle, Duckett rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
24.5
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
FIFTY FOR JOE ROOT! Off 66 balls. This is his 44th ODI half century. A brilliantly constructed knock so far. Full, on leg, flicked off the pads wide of long on for a single. England would want their premier batter to stay till the end and get the job done. Raises his bat calmly, does Root. Acknowledges the applaus from the England faithful present at Khettarama.
24.6
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
FIFTY FOR BEN DUCKETT AS WELL! His 9th in ODIs. He gets there by slapping the short ball to the cover region for a single. This will do the world of good for his confidence. Looked a bit scratchy in the beginning, but has got himself settled very well at the crease.
Till Now Score: 111/1
(25 Overs)
B Duckett
50(67)
J Root
50(72)
J Vandersay
4-0-24-0
Over 25 ·111 Runs
0
1
4
1
1
1
23.1
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Around off, tossed fuller, Root drives it to mid off.
23.2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Shade short, on middle, Root hangs back and nudges it to short mid-wicket.
23.3
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Lands it full, around off, Root lunges with a huge stride and eases it to short cover.
23.4
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Full, on middle and leg, Joe Root flicks it down to long on for a single. This partnership is now worth 91 runs.
23.5
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Hangs it up there, full and on the stumps. Ben defends it out to extra cover.
23.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Drags the length back, short, outside off, Duckett slaps it with a cross bat but finds the fielder at cover-point.
Till Now Score: 103/1
(24 Overs)
B Duckett
44(64)
J Root
48(69)
de Silva
6-0-16-0
Over 24 ·103 Runs
0
0
0
1
0
0
22.1
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Serves it full, outside off, Root drives inside out to deep cover and strolls for a single.
22.2
3
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
Short and wide outside off, Duckett throws his hands at it off the back foot and pierces the gap between deep point and deep cover. Janith Liyanage, from deep point, dives full length to his left and does well to stop it, parrying the ball towards the converging sweeper. The return comes in to the striker’s end and hits the stumps, but the batters had already completed the second run. The deflection then runs away wide of square leg, allowing them to pinch a third.
22.3
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Tight leave! On a length, outside off, Root makes a watchful leave.
22.4
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
An appeal for LBW, but not entertained by the umpire. Another googly on a good length, but drifting down the leg side. Root stays back to work it in front of square on the leg side and ends up wearing it on the front pad.
22.5
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Full on middle, clipped to the leg side for a single.
22.6
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
Around the legs, clipped to mid-wicket with soft hands.
Till Now Score: 102/1
(23 Overs)
B Duckett
44(62)
J Root
47(65)
J Vandersay
3-0-16-0
Over 23 ·102 Runs
1
3
0
0
1
0
21.1
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Length ball, outside off, guided off the back foot behind square on the off side for a single. 31 balls since the last boundary for England.
21.2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Pushed fuller, on middle, Joe eases it back to the bowler.
21.3
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Drops it around middle and leg, Joe tries to flick the full ball to the leg side, but gets a leading edge to cover.
21.4
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Full, on the stumps, Root runs it down to long on for a single.
21.5
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Targets the stumps, on a fuller length, Ben gets on the front foot and smothers the spin.
21.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Quiet over from Dhananjaya. Just 2 runs from it. Just 9 runs from the last 3 for England! Short, outside off, slashed off the back foot to cover-point.
Till Now Score: 97/1
(22 Overs)
B Duckett
41(60)
J Root
45(61)
de Silva
5-0-15-0
Over 22 ·97 Runs
1
0
0
1
0
0
20.1
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
Full and flat on leg, Ben clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
20.2
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
He flicks this full ball into the mid-wicket pocket for a single.
20.3
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
After missing quite a few, Duckett now reverse sweeps this full ball, on middle, to deep square point for a single.
20.4
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Short, on middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for one more.
20.5
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
Looped fuller, outside leg, Ben brooms it to deep backward square leg for another single.
20.6
0
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Quicker through the air, full, around off, Root leans on and eases it to cover-point with soft hands.
Till Now Score: 95/1
(21 Overs)
J Root
44(58)
B Duckett
40(57)
J Vandersay
2-0-11-0
Over 21 ·95 Runs
1
1
1
1
1
0
19.1
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Fuller, around the pads of the batter, Root strides out and rolls his wrists to flick it to square leg for one.
19.2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Full, on off, Ben defends it back to the bowler.
19.3
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Flat and fuller, on off, Ben leans on the delivery pressing forward and eases it to mid on for no runs.
19.4
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
A touch shorter, just outside off, Ben bunts it to cover-point.
19.5
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Fuller, around off, Ben drives it toward the right of the diving cover fielder who makes half stop and the batter gets a single.
19.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Pitches it up, fuller, on leg, Root tucks it to square leg.
Till Now Score: 90/1
(20 Overs)
J Root
42(55)
B Duckett
37(54)
de Silva
4-0-13-0
Over 20 ·90 Runs
1
0
0
0
1
0
18.1
0
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Fuller, around the pads of the batter, Ben flicks it toward square leg.
18.2
0
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Pitches it up, on middle, Ben defends it to his front foot.
18.3
2
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Fullish, just outside off, Ben sits down and sweeps it across the line into the gap between deep fine leg and deep square leg and gets a couple of runs.
18.4
0
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
FOUR LEG BYES! Full and sliding down the leg side. Duckett gets forward for the flick, misses it, and the ball clips the front pad before trickling away to deep third. The ring fielder gives chase and even slides, but cannot prevent it from reaching the rope.
18.5
1
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Short, around off, Ben knocks it to long on for one.
18.6
1
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Short, around off, Root hangs back, deep into the crease and nudges it across the line to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Till Now Score: 88/1
(19 Overs)
J Root
41(53)
B Duckett
36(50)
D Wellalage
5-0-18-0
Over 19 ·88 Runs
0
0
2
0
1
1
17.1
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Fuller, wide outside off, Joe extends his arm and punches it through cover for a single.
17.2
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
Full, on middle, Duckett strides out and tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
17.3
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Fuller, outside off, turning it away, Joe prods and drives it through cover for a single.
17.4
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
Pitches it up, does Jeffrey, on off, Ben flicks it to mid-wicket for another single.
17.5
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Joe Root
Short, just outside off, Joe punches it to the right of the point fielder, who dives but fails to make a stop. Single taken.
17.6
1
Jeffrey Vandersay to Ben Duckett
Short, around off, Ben punches it to sweeper cover for one more single.
Till Now Score: 80/1
(18 Overs)
B Duckett
33(45)
J Root
40(52)
J Vandersay
1-0-6-0
Over 18 ·80 Runs
1
1
1
1
1
1
16.1
0
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Short, around leg, Root looks to nudge it away but misses and the ball hits his thigh pad.
16.2
0
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Fuller, on off, Root pushes it back to the bowler.
16.3
1
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Short, on off, Root dabs it to cover point for a single.
16.4
0
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Short and outside off, Ben Duckett punches it to cover from his back foot.
16.5
1
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Fuller, around the pads, Ben flicks it to sqaure leg for a single.
16.6
1
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Tossed up, much fuller, just outside off, Root drives it to mid off for a single.
Till Now Score: 74/1
(17 Overs)
J Root
37(49)
B Duckett
30(42)
D Wellalage
4-0-14-0
Over 17 ·74 Runs
0
0
1
0
1
1
15.1
0
Charith Asalanka to Ben Duckett
Fuller, on middle, Ben flicks it to mid-wicket for no runs.
15.2
1
Charith Asalanka to Ben Duckett
Tossed up, fuller, on off, Ben Duckett gets across, covers the line, and scoops it off the outer half of his bat toward the right of the short third fielder for a single. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Duckett and Root!
15.3
1
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Flat and much fuller, on middle, Joe hangs back and flicks it to square leg for a single.
15.4
4
Charith Asalanka to Ben Duckett
FOUR! Nicely played! Full, on middle, Ben Duckett sits down on one knee and sweeps it toward the right of the deep backward square leg fielder for four runs.
15.5
0
Charith Asalanka to Ben Duckett
Fuller, around off, Ben lunges and defends it in front.
15.6
4
Charith Asalanka to Ben Duckett
FOUR! Ben Duckett is slowly turning the heat! Pitches it up, does Asalanka, on off and middle. Ben Duckett charges down the track and lofts it downtown for another boundary, to long on's right.
Till Now Score: 71/1
(16 Overs)
B Duckett
29(40)
J Root
35(45)
C Asalanka
3-0-19-0
Over 16 ·71 Runs
0
1
1
4
0
4
14.1
0
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Shortish, on off and middle, Root defends it on his back foot.
14.2
0
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Short, around off, Root fends it to the cover fielder.
14.3
0
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Full, on off, Root pushes it to short extra cover.
14.4
0
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Flat and fuller, on middle, Root nudges it from his front foot to mid on.
14.5
1
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Fuller, around off, Root leans on the delivery and pushes it with soft hands into the gap between short extra cover and cover-point for a single.
14.6
1
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Fullish, around off, Ben pushes it through cover for a comfortable single.
Till Now Score: 61/1
(15 Overs)
B Duckett
20(35)
J Root
34(44)
D Wellalage
3-0-11-0
Over 15 ·61 Runs
0
0
0
0
1
1
13.1
0
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Fuller, around off, Root drives it to cover.
13.2
0
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Huge appeal for LBW, but no says the umpire! Flat and fuller, around leg, Root looks to reverse sweep but misses to connect and the ball kisses his pads. Pitching outside leg, maybe.
13.3
0
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Much fuller, around leg, Root looks to flick it but wears on his front pad. Appeal again from the Lankans but it is sliding down the leg side.
13.4
1
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Short, around middle, Root clips it to square leg for one
13.5
1
Charith Asalanka to Ben Duckett
Fuller, on leg, Ben flicks it to square leg for one.
13.6
1
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
A touch shorter on off, Joe Root hangs back and tucks it to square leg for another single.
Till Now Score: 59/1
(14 Overs)
J Root
33(39)
B Duckett
19(34)
C Asalanka
2-0-9-0
Over 14 ·59 Runs
0
0
0
1
1
1
12.1
1
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Pitches it up, on off, Ben lunges and flicks it across the line to mid-wicket for a single.
12.2
4
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
FOUR! Excellently played! This is short of a length, pitching outside off and turning away from the batter. Joe Root frees his arm, doesn't try to hit it too hard, just times the ball to perfection through cover. Manages to beat the sweeper to his right for a boundary.
12.3
0
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Tossed up, on off, Root defends it to his front.
12.4
0
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Full, just outside off, Root eases it to the off side.
12.5
1
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
A touch fuller, on off, Root goes deep into the crease and rolls his wrist to flick it to wide of short mid-wicket fielder for a single.
12.6
0
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
A tad fuller, around off, Ben punches it to right of the cover fielder, who dives to his rigth and makes a stop.
Till Now Score: 56/1
(13 Overs)
B Duckett
18(33)
J Root
31(34)
D Wellalage
2-0-9-0
Over 13 ·56 Runs
1
4
0
0
1
0
11.1
1
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Short, on middle, Joe Root goes deep into the crease and tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
11.2
0
Charith Asalanka to Ben Duckett
Tossed up, much fuller, just outside the off pole. Ben drives it but straight to the fielder in the short cover region.
11.3
1
Charith Asalanka to Ben Duckett
Fuller, around the pads of the batter. Ben flicks it to square leg for a single.
11.4
2
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Short and outside off, Joe Root hangs back and punches it to wide deep cover for a couple of runs.
11.5
1
Charith Asalanka to Joe Root
Asalanka drags his length back, on middle, Joe clips it to square leg for a single.
11.6
1
Charith Asalanka to Ben Duckett
A touch fuller, on off and middle, Ben flicks it to the left of mid-wicket for a single. 50 UP FOR ENGLAND!
Till Now Score: 50/1
(12 Overs)
B Duckett
17(31)
J Root
26(30)
C Asalanka
1-0-6-0
Over 12 ·50 Runs
1
0
1
2
1
1
10.1
1
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Fuller, on leg, Root flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
10.2
0
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Arm ball, pitches it fuller and just outside off, angling it away. Ben looks to defend it to the off side but gets beaten on the outside edge.
10.3
0
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Fuller, on leg, Ben tucks it to short mid-wicket.
10.4
0
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Fuller, just outside the leg stump. Ben looks to reverse sweep it but fails to get the connection.
10.5
1
Dunith Wellalage to Ben Duckett
Short, on leg, Ben flicks it through square leg for a single.
10.6
1
Dunith Wellalage to Joe Root
Fuller, around off, Root pushes it to cover-point and gets a single.
Till Now Score: 44/1
(11 Overs)
J Root
22(27)
B Duckett
15(28)
D Wellalage
1-0-3-0
Over 11 ·44 Runs
1
0
0
0
1
1
9.1
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Full and across off, from around the stumps, Root flicks it to mid-wicket.
9.2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Outside leg, on a fuller length, nurdled off the back foot to square leg.
9.3
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
On middle, sliding across the batter, Joe hangs back and punches it wide of cover for a quick single.
9.4
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Off break, outside off, on a shorter length. Ben Duckett chips it off the back foot, a bit uppish, but wide of the bowler for a single.
9.5
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Much fuller, on leg, Root flicks it wide of mid-wicket for one more.
9.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
A bit too full, around off, Ben spreads across the crease and carves it to cover, but cannot get it past the fielder. England end their Powerplay on 41/1.
Till Now Score: 41/1
(10 Overs)
B Duckett
14(24)
J Root
20(25)
de Silva
3-0-11-0
Over 10 ·41 Runs
0
0
1
1
1
0
8.1
1
Pramod Madushan to Ben Duckett
Hard length, outside off, slashed off the back foot to deep point for a single.
8.2
4
Pramod Madushan to Joe Root
FOUR! ALL CLASS! Short of a good length, onto the pads. Joe Root comes out of the crease, gets a bit across and flicks it to the left of square leg for a boundary.
8.3
0
Pramod Madushan to Joe Root
Full and on middle, Joe gets on the front foot and drills it straight to mid off.
8.4
4
Pramod Madushan to Joe Root
FOUR! Neatly played! Slightly back of a length, outside off, enough room for Root to access the off side. He hangs back in the crease and uses his wrists to cut it square, through backward point and cover-point gap for a boundary.
8.5
0
Pramod Madushan to Joe Root
Off cutter by the looks of it, on a length, on off. Joe Root nudges it off the back foot to mid-wicket.
8.6
1
Pramod Madushan to Joe Root
Full and slow on middle and leg, Joe Root whips it to deep square leg for a single. Duckett looks for the second, but the fielder in the deep is quick to get to the ball, so Root sends him back on a sharp call. 10 runs from the over.
Till Now Score: 38/1
(9 Overs)
J Root
18(21)
B Duckett
13(22)
P Madushan
3-0-18-0
Over 9 ·38 Runs
1
4
0
4
0
1
7.1
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
From around the stumps, this is full and on the leg stump. Root flicks it to the right of Charith Asalanka at square leg. The skipper dives to cut it off. Just a single for Root then.
7.2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Full and on off, at 81 kph, Ben gets forward and taps it gently back to the bowler.
7.3
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Drags the length a bit, full and around off, spinning with bounce. Ben Duckett drives it straight to short cover.
7.4
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Chance! But a direct hit was needed! Sliding in and around the leg stump, Duckett tucks it to the left of the bowler and they rush through for a single. Dhananjaya de Silva runs across to his left and stops it. Gets rid of the ball as he sees Duckett hurrying to get to the other end, but misses his shy at the bowling end.
7.5
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Nice and full, on middle, flicked away to mid-wicket.
7.6
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
Pitched outside leg, on a fuller length, Root tries to reverse sweep, but misses and the ball thuds the front pad.
Till Now Score: 28/1
(8 Overs)
J Root
9(16)
B Duckett
12(21)
de Silva
2-0-8-0
Over 8 ·28 Runs
1
0
0
1
0
0
6.1
0
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
Hard length, on top of middle, Joe tilts forward and clips it with soft hands to mid-wicket.
6.2
0
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
Nips in from a length, outside off, Root rises up with the bounce and cuts it to the left of Pavan Rathnayake at backward point. He stops it with a sharp, alert dive to prevent any run.
6.3
0
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
Full and on middle, angling in. Root flicks off the pads to square leg.
6.4
1
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
On a fuller length, at 131 kph, on middle, Root pushes it wide of mid-wicket for a single as Janith Liyanage slides to his right and stops it.
6.5
0
Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett
Slammed hard on a length, on leg, Ben Duckett is rushed on the back foot, trying to whip it to square leg, but the ball skids through and raps him on the thigh pad.
6.6
0
Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett
Pitched outside leg, on a length, Duckett plays off the back foot and tucks it across to short mid-wicket.
Till Now Score: 26/1
(7 Overs)
B Duckett
11(18)
J Root
8(13)
A Fernando
4-1-12-1
Over 7 ·26 Runs
0
0
0
1
0
0
5.1
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Loops one full and on off, Ben lunges ahead and taps it straight back to the bowler.
5.2
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Slower through the air, an arm ball, full and around off, Ben switches his stance to play the reverse sweep, but misses and the ball clips the front pad before rolling to the leg side.
5.3
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
Shortish, outside off, Ben Duckett backs away and slaps it through cover for a single.
5.4
1
Dhananjaya de Silva to Joe Root
This time, Root reverse sweeps this full ball to short third. Pramod Madushan stops it with a dive to his left and keeps it down to a single.
5.5
0
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
At just 81 kph, this is served full and on off and middle. Ben Duckett employs the reverse sweep, only to miss again. He takes a blow on the helmet.
5.6
4
Dhananjaya de Silva to Ben Duckett
FOUR! PUNISHED! Drops it short and outside off, Ben Duckett backs away, waits on it and crunches it to deep extra cover for a boundary. That will ease his nerves to an extent.
Till Now Score: 25/1
(6 Overs)
B Duckett
11(16)
J Root
7(9)
de Silva
1-0-6-0
Over 6 ·25 Runs
0
0
1
1
0
4
4.1
0
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
Bangs it on a length, angling into the batter, Joe Root gets forward to negate the movement and taps it to the leg side, in front of square.
4.2
4
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
FOUR! Right out of the coach's manual! On a fractionally fuller length, outside off. Beautiful weight transfer on the front foot, with the head leaning on the ball. Root lets it come into him and creams it past cover and point gap for a cracking boundary! Everything was so perfect about that shot.
4.3
0
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
Nips in from off, on a good length. Root defends it right under the bat.
4.4
0
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
Attacks the stumps at 134 kph, on a fuller length, Root whips off the inner half to square leg.
4.5
0
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
Full and outside off, swinging back in a touch. Root leans forward and presents full face. Drives it straight to mid off.
4.6
0
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
Touch full, around off, Joe knocks it to cover, playing it off the front foot.
Till Now Score: 19/1
(5 Overs)
J Root
6(8)
B Duckett
6(11)
A Fernando
3-1-11-1
Over 5 ·19 Runs
0
4
0
0
0
0
3.1
1
Pramod Madushan to Joe Root
Skids low, around off, on a length, at 133 kph. Root plays it late off the back foot and guides it to deep third, more off the outside edge, for a single.
3.2
0
Pramod Madushan to Ben Duckett
Almost dragged on! Swings in from off, on a good length. Ben Duckett is pinned in the crease and tries to work it across, getting an inside edge onto the back thigh. The ball then rolls past the leg stump to short fine leg.
3.3
0
Pramod Madushan to Ben Duckett
Nips away this time, fullish and around off, Ben blocks it solidly to the off side.
3.4
0
Pramod Madushan to Ben Duckett
Whoa! Edged, but safe! On a hard length, but doesn't rise much, outside off. Ben Duckett looks to punch on the rise, but gets a thick inside edge, but luckily, the ball flirts past the off stump and rolls back to the keeper.
3.5
0
Pramod Madushan to Ben Duckett
Keeps the line on the stumps, on a hard length, Ben tucks it off the inner half to mid-wicket.
3.6
0
Pramod Madushan to Ben Duckett
A bit of an inswing on a length, at 133 kph, outside off. Ben Duckett looks to slash it through point, but the ball shapes in and squirts off the inside edge onto the pads.
Till Now Score: 15/1
(4 Overs)
B Duckett
6(11)
J Root
2(2)
P Madushan
2-0-8-0
Over 4 ·15 Runs
1
0
0
0
0
0
2.1
4
Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett
FOUR! Up and over! Wide on off, a full toss. Ben Duckett throws his bat at it, goes with hard hands. Bumps the ball over the point fielder and gets a boundary. Geez, that has raced away so quickly through the outfield.
2.2
0
Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett
In front of the stumps, on a good length, Duckett rocks back and bunts it down the pitch.
2.3
1
Asitha Fernando to Ben Duckett
On top of middle, short of a good length. Ben Duckett rides the bounce and tucks it past square leg for an easy single.
2.4
0
Asitha Fernando to Zak Crawley
BEAUTY! On a hard length, angling into the batter, on top of off. Zak is cramped for room, as he tries to work it across the line, but the ball sneaks through the yawning gap between bat and pad to the keeper.
2.5
W
Asitha Fernando to Zak Crawley
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Asitha strikes and strikes big early doors. Pitches it full and outside off. It shapes away from the right-hander as Zak chases the wide line, flashing at it with hard hands. Only manages a fat outside edge as his feet are nowhere close to the pitch of the ball. Kusal Mendis does the rest with a regulation catch behind the stumps, to his right. Asitha is joyous and so are the Sri Lankans. Zak Crawley departs on 6 (11) and England are 12/1, chasing 272.
2.6
1WD
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
WIDE! Sprays it down leg, on a good length. Joe Root misses his flick and the keeper collects it to his left. Wide called.
2.6
1
Asitha Fernando to Joe Root
On a hard length, outside off, Joe Root lets it come and dabs it to the left of the diving backward point fielder for a single. A successful over for Sri Lanka and Fernando, this.
Till Now Score: 14/1
(3 Overs)
J Root
1(1)
B Duckett
6(6)
A Fernando
2-1-7-1
Over 3 ·14 Runs
4
0
1
0
W
1WD
1
1.1
0
Pramod Madushan to Ben Duckett
Starts with a length ball, outside off, sliced off the back foot to cover-point.
1.2
0
Pramod Madushan to Ben Duckett
At 133 kph, just outside off, on a good length. Ben Duckett presses in front and defends it down the pitch.
1.3
1
Pramod Madushan to Ben Duckett
Finally, England are off the mark! On a back of a length, on the leg stump. Ben stands tall and wrists it through square leg for a single.
1.4
0
Pramod Madushan to Zak Crawley
BEATEN! Gets a good bit of outswing on a length, outside off. The ball lands and skids through to beat a loose poke from Crawley, away from his body. Gets beaten on the outside edge.
1.5
2
Pramod Madushan to Zak Crawley
He is off the mark! Back of a length, shaping away from off, Zak Crawley hangs back and nudges it past mid-wicket for a couple of runs to open his account.
1.6
4
Pramod Madushan to Zak Crawley
FOUR! Finds the gap! Full and on middle, straighter with no movement, Zak drills it between mid on and mid-wicket to find the fence!
Till Now Score: 7/0
(2 Overs)
Z Crawley
6(9)
B Duckett
1(3)
P Madushan
1-0-7-0
Over 2 ·7 Runs
0
0
1
0
2
4
That was an excellent opening over by Asitha. Pramod Madushan to share the attack from the opposite end.
0
Couldn't be a better start than this for the hosts. Joe Root makes his way to the crease at number 3.
0
Joe Root loves to play in Sri Lanka. He averages above 65 in this part of the world in the ODIs. And we will have spin from the other end. Here's Dhananjaya de Silva into the attack, replacing Pramod Madushan.
0
The physio is out to conduct a mandatory concussion test for Ben Duckett. He is fine to continue.
0
Charith Asalanka is off the field for now. He is getting some medical attention on his left hand. May have got a scratch while fielding on 7.1. Pramod Madushan is back on. 2-0-8-0 so far. He replaces Asitha Fernando.
0
POWERPLAY 2! Sri Lanka will be allowed a maximum of 4 fielders outside the inner ring in the span of 11-40 overs. England's 41/1 meets Sri Lanka's 49/0 after 10 overs. So spin from both ends now. Here's Dunith Wellalage into the attack, replacing Pramod Madushan.
0
Charith Asalanka decides to roll his arm now. He replaces Dhananjaya de Silva, who is off the field at the moment.
0
That was a productive over for England. With a couple of quick boundaries, Duckett will surely feel a lot at ease now. The pressure has now shifted to Sri Lanka to break this partnership quickly and rein in the scoring, with the required rate having dipped below six an over.
0
DRINKS BREAK! Why are they playing boring cricket? Asks a Gen-Z. Well, sometimes boring is the most effective, and these two have displayed exactly that. Tapping the ball around the corner, stealing ones and twos just builds a good platform for the middle overs. Duckett might have had his own struggles against spin, but he has hung in there with Root, who has just been excellent with his approach. The partnership is worth 62 runs now, and Sri Lanka desperately need someone to step up and break this alliance. England need 198 runs from 198 balls and as far as Root is concerned, he will just go about his business from one end. Duckett is on 30, and would like to gear up a bit now, so that runs keep coming at a fair clip. Spinner number 4 deployed by Sri Lanka. Jeffrey Vandersay replaces Charith Asalanka.
0
Dhananjaya de Silva (3-0-11-0) replaces Jeffrey Vandersay.
0
Productive last 10 overs for England. They managed to score 49 runs in this 11-20 over phase, but crucially, without any wicket loss. At the same stage, Sri Lanka were 97/2. So nothing really separates both sides, in fact, the hosts had lost one extra wicket at this point. So these two have done extremely well to hang in there. Change of ends for Jeffrey Vandersay. 1-0-6-0 so far, and replaces Dunith Wellalage.
0
Time for pace again. Asitha Fernando (4-1-12-1) is back on. He replaces Jeffrey Vandersay.
0
Change again. Jeffrey Vandersay (4-0-24-0) is back on.
0
Out walks Duckett and in walks another southpaw. Jacob Bethell is in at number 4.
0
Halt. It looks like one of the zinger bails have broken or malfunctioned. Rod Tucker, the on-field umpire, asks for a replacement. All set to continue.
0
After 30 overs, England are 135/2. At the same stage, Sri Lanka were 143/4. England managed to score 45 runs in that 21-30 over phase. They need 137 runs from 120 balls.
0
A huge, huge moment in the game. With the wicket of Joe Root and two relatively new batters at the crease, they would try to put on the squeeze. Harry Brook walks in at number 5.
0
DRINKS BREAK! Sri Lanka have fought their way back into the game with timely strikes, removing both set batters Duckett and Root in quick succession. England have slipped from 129/1 to 144/3, with two new men at the crease. This is an ideal window for the hosts to apply the squeeze and hunt for a couple more wickets, while England will be banking on Brook and Bethell to steady the chase, arrest the slide, and see the job through. 126 needed from 96. Not at all difficult in modern-day cricket. But quick wickets can make that look like a tall mountain to climb. Dhananjaya de Silva (7-0-17-1) to continue.
0
Charith Asalanka (5-0-26-0) returns into the attack, replacing Dhananjaya de Silva.
0
0.1
0
Asitha Fernando to Zak Crawley
Lands it on a length, around off, nipping away from the batter. Zak presses ahead and decides to leave.
0.2
0
Asitha Fernando to Zak Crawley
A loud appeal for LBW, but not entertained. Going down leg, clearly. Sri Lanka do not review it either. Back of a length, slanted into the batter, on the pads, Zak Crawley misses the flick and wears it on the front pad.
0.3
0
Asitha Fernando to Zak Crawley
Straight and full, at 133 kph, around off, Zak leans forward and drives it straight to mid off.
0.4
0
Asitha Fernando to Zak Crawley
On the money again! In the channel, on off, nipping in. Zak prods half forward to push it straight, but hits off the inner half to mid on.
0.5
0
Asitha Fernando to Zak Crawley
A massive appeal again for LBW, but not given. The Sri Lankans bail out of the appeal instantly. On a hard length, cutting back in with some bounce. Zak plays all over the line as the ball beats the inside edge and thuds high on his thigh pad.
0.6
0
Asitha Fernando to Zak Crawley
Full and just outside off, Zak Crawley gets on the front foot, and drives it straight, but the ball smashes the stumps at the non-striker's end. Asitha did try to stick out his right hand to get a deflection, but it was a bit too wide. A MAIDEN!
Till Now Score: 0/0
(1 Overs)
Z Crawley
0(6)
B Duckett
0(0)
A Fernando
1-1-0-0
Over 1 ·0 Runs
0
0
0
0
0
0