If Kumar Sangakkara’s scores in the four prior matches against England were anything to go by he was destined to eventually reach three figures in the series. Scores of 67*, 63, 86 and 91 were just the precursor to a breathtaking hundred, scored at a rapid pace in game six of the seven match series. His innings was at all times controlled, allowing him to effortlessly toyed with the England field and captain. That he was dropped by the England captain in the midst of the manipulation when on 41 was as fitting as it was cruel. His run a ball 112 the backbone of his sides impressive total of 292. With an uncharacteristically controlled support hand from Tillakaratne Dilshan (68) and a late contribution from the returning Dinesh Chandimal (35), Sri Lanka were able to register a total that asked England to be at their very best if the wanted to take the series to a Colombo decider.
England were not at their best. Their chase never really threatened Sri Lanka’s total and none of their players could match Sangakkara’s heroics. The chase started in the worst possible fashion when out of sorts and under-pressure captain Alastair Cook played around a straight one in the third over. James Taylor arrival at the crease gave reason for England to be hopeful given his strong performances in the series thus far, but he too fell to the impressive Sachithra Senanayake after walking past one. When Moeen Ali fell to a Dilshan ripper the series was all but over at 50/3. Joe Root got some time in the middle with a circumspect 55, Chris Woakes blazed 41 – outlining his improving credentials as a handy limited overs cricketer – and Sangakkara also grabbed four catches behind the sticks.
Despite suffering his fourth successive defeat at the helm of the ODI team Alastair Cook remained staunch when his ability to lead the side was questioned. While there are chorus’ for the man to give up the captaincy, it seems unlikely give the proximity to the World Cup, but coach Peter Moores offered less support than he usually does by suggesting, “It would be wrong of me as a selector and coach not to review things at the end of this series”.
Sri Lanka 292 for 7 (Sangakkara 112, Dilshan 68) beat England 202 (Root 55, Woakes 41, Lakmal 4-30, Senanayake 3-33) by 90 runs
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