47
Over 47. 6 runs. Bowler: Pramod Madushan. England: 223/5(rr 4.74)
46.2Liyanagamage to W Jacks4
Four runs. FOUR! Pramod Madushan to Will Jacks. Reverse Swing-In half volley, middle stump on the front foot flick, well timed past deep mid wicket for 4 runs. England clinch a five-wicket victory, keeping the series alive with a composed chase under pressure. They took a bold call by promoting Rehan Ahmed in the absence of Zak Crawley, but the youngster couldn't cash in, falling to Sri Lanka's wily, experienced spinner. From there, Ben Duckett and Joe Root steadied the ship. It wasn't flashy, just smart, risk-free cricket. They rotated the strike efficiently, found the odd boundary, and ensured the innings never lost shape. Sri Lanka's spinners did spark hope once again with two quick wickets, tightening the screws at a crucial stage. Just when the game threatened to drift, England's skipper and the veteran batter combined calmly, absorbing pressure and inching closer to the target. Sri Lanka refused to fade away, striking late by removing well-set batters to keep the contest alive deep into the chase. But in the end, Jos Buttler and Will Jacks provided the finishing touch and England crossed the line to square the series. Joe Root is adjudged as the Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
46.1Liyanagamage to W Jacks2
Two runs. Pramod Madushan to Will Jacks. Reverse Swing-In half volley, down leg side on the front foot working, in the air under control to deep backward square leg for 2 runs, mis-fielded by Rathnayake.
46
End of over. Over 46. 12 runs. Bowler: Pavan Rathnayake. England: 217/5(rr 4.72)
45.6Rathnayake to J Buttler6
Six runs. SIX! Pavan Rathnayake to Jos Buttler. Leg spinner half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed in the air under control over long off for 6 runs.
45.5Rathnayake to J Buttler2
Two runs. Pavan Rathnayake to Jos Buttler. Leg spinner length ball, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, to deep backward point for 2 runs, fielded by de Silva.
45.4Rathnayake to W Jacks1
One run. Pavan Rathnayake to Will Jacks. Leg spinner full toss, off stump on the front foot driving, to long off for 1 run, fielded by Rajapaksha Vidana Pathiranalage.
45.3Rathnayake to J Buttler1
One run. Pavan Rathnayake to Jos Buttler. Leg spinner half volley, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to deep point for 1 run, fielded by de Silva.
45.2Rathnayake to J Buttler2
Two runs. Pavan Rathnayake to Jos Buttler. Leg spinner half volley, outside off stump on the front foot Slog, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to deep mid wicket for 2 runs, fielded by Vimukthi.
45.1Rathnayake to J Buttler0
Dot ball. Pavan Rathnayake to Jos Buttler. Leg spinner length ball, off stump on the back foot driving, to extra cover for no runs, mis-fielded by Asalanka.
45
End of over. Over 45. 5 runs. Bowler: Jeffrey Vandersay. England: 205/5(rr 4.56)
44.6Vandersay to W Jacks0
Dot ball. Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Jacks. Googly length ball, outside off stump on the front foot glancing, inside edge to short fine leg for no runs, fielded by Fernando.
44.5Vandersay to W Jacks0
Dot ball. Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Jacks. Leg spinner length ball, down leg side on the back foot defending, to short leg for no runs, fielded by Mendis.
44.4Vandersay to W Jacks0
Dot ball. APPEAL! Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Jacks. Googly length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, hit pad to backward point for no runs, fielded by Liyanagamage, appeal made for L.B.W. The umpire indicates that the ball is sliding down the leg.
44.3Vandersay to J Buttler1
One run. Jeffrey Vandersay to Jos Buttler. Leg spinner half volley, off stump on the front foot Slog, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to long on for 1 run, fielded by Wellalage.
44.2Vandersay to J Buttler4
Four runs. FOUR! Jeffrey Vandersay to Jos Buttler. Leg spinner half volley, outside off stump on the front foot Slog, well timed in the air under control past deep mid wicket for 4 runs.
44.1Vandersay to J Buttler0
Dot ball. Jeffrey Vandersay to Jos Buttler. Leg spinner length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to extra cover for no runs, fielded by Vimukthi.
44
End of over. Over 44. 9 runs. Bowler: Asitha Fernando. England: 200/5(rr 4.55)
43.6Fernando to W Jacks0
Dot ball. Asitha Fernando to Will Jacks. Reverse Swing-In half volley, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, mis-timed to point for no runs, fielded by Vimukthi.
43.5Fernando to J Buttler1
One run. Asitha Fernando to Jos Buttler. Reverse Swing-In half volley, off stump on the front foot working, mis-timed to long on for 1 run, fielded by Rathnayake.
43.4Fernando to J Buttler4
Four runs. FOUR! Asitha Fernando to Jos Buttler. Slower length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed in the air under control past deep extra cover for 4 runs.