Sanga-Mahela show at Premadasa Stadium
Sri Lanka’s two senior cricketing statesmen – Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene were in sublime form as they formed a deadly combination against England to guide Sri Lanka to go two up in the seven-match series at the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, yesterday.
Sangakkara and Jayawardene put on an unfinished stand of 149 runs off 26.4 overs while remaining unbeaten on 67 and 77 respectively, to see the home team win by a convincing eight wickets.
Thisara Perera celebrates the fall of Eoin Morgan with his team mates
The pair batted with early caution. But, like fine wine as the innings grew older, the pair got bolder. The runs were scored on both sides of the wicket, with ease and grace giving the rest of the cricketing world a hint of what they are capable of at the forthcoming World Cup Down Under.
When Sangakkara hit his eighth boundary to relive the English bowlers from their misery in the 35th over, Mahela had already hit a six and eight fours at the other end.
The Lankans who shaved off a narrow 25-run win in the first ODI at the same venue, made sure from the start that they were not ready for any more heart stoppers this time around.
Chasing the modest target of 185 set by England in the match which was reduced to 45 overs due to early wet conditions, Lankans exploded into action in the very first over courtesy three fours by 38-year-old Tillekeratne Dilshan off paceman Steven Finn.
However Lankans lost both openers by the time they reached 37 runs, but, the senior pair saw that the Lankan innings settle from that point onwards.
Earlier led by a haul of 3 for 33 by utility spinner Ajantha Mendis the Lankans restricted the visiting Englishmen for 185 in 43 overs.
England won the toss and elected to bat first, but, was never in command of the situation after they lost their first ODI centurion Moeen Ali early for only two when he attempted a wild heave off Tillekeratne Dilshan and was bowled in the second over.Spurred by that early victory, the Lankan bowlers pushed the English batsmen against the wall taking wickets at regular intervals.
Sangakkara and Jayawardene relishing the victory - Pix by Amila Gamage
However once again it was Ravi Bopara who top top-scored with 51 that stood up the Lankan challenge. The batsman also scored a fighting half century in the first game and nearly pushed the in favour of England. Bopara and Joe Root(42) batted with some assurance, but none of the other batsmen settled in after Alastair Cook won the toss and elected to bat on the slow wicket.
The match was reduced to 45-overs-a-side following a delayed start due to persistent rain that has dampened the city surroundings during the past few days.
Both teams wore black arm-bands and observed a minute’s silence before the start to mourn Australian batsman Phil Hughes, who died in Sydney on Thursday of head injuries sustained by a rising ball.
Bats and caps were displayed outside the dressing rooms as a mark of respect and flags flew at half-mast over the
stadium.
Ian Bell, playing his 150th one-day international, was dismissed by left-arm spinner Rangana Herath for 11 and Dilshan also removed Cook for 22.
Joe Root appeared in good form when he was trapped leg-before by Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews after Eoin Morgan fell to Thisara Perera for 17.
| Annoying horns back in the stands The air horns which were banned from Lankan international matches a few seasons ago have made an annoying comeback. Irate spectators who phoned the Sunday Times complained that the noise is overpowering. It’s far too loud and deafening. “We go for matches to enjoy the cricket, but, what happens is that we end up becoming deaf for the rest of the day” When inquired about the ban, an SLC official admitted that there was a ban but, they had been relaxed from the onset of this series.
Scoreboard England innings Sri Lanka innings |
