ROOT, BUTTLER FASHION ENGLAND VICTORY

ROOT, BUTTLER FASHION ENGLAND VICTORY

There wasn't an iota of doubt that England was under immense pressure coming into Wednesday’s (December 3) third One-Day International against Sri Lanka. Since reaching the final of the Champions Trophy in June 2013, the team hardly had anything in the bag as far as 50-over cricket was concerned. Defeat in the first two games of the seven-match series meant this game in Hambantota was critical in many ways.
 
As if that wasn't challenging enough, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 242 for 8 courtesy Kumar Sangakkara (63) and Lahiru Thirimanne (62). The hosts had opted to bat but a lengthy spell of rain very early in its innings curtailed this to a 35-overs-a-side fixture. With the series fast slipping away, England, set a revised Duckworth-Lewis target of 236, needed someone to stand up and deliver. 
 
On the night, the stars were aligned in its favour, if only just, as England overcame an implosion to win by five wickets, courtesy an unbeaten sixth-wicket stand of 84 off just 64 balls between Jos Buttler (55) and Joe Root (48). Despite the loss, Sri Lanka hold a 2-1 lead with four to play.