England edge closer to level the ODI series against Sri Lanka as Joe Root helps tourists level the score, thanks to a measured 75 and an all-round performance by the English team's spinners.
The visitors posted a relatively modest total of 219 after England's spinners had turned the screw on a surface which offered appreciable turn. Charith Asalanka top-scored for Sri Lanka with 64-ball innings, while Dhananjaya de Silva chipped in with 40 runs.
England won the match by five wickets, with Root and Ben Duckett combining to set up an England victory at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. A series win for England now means that the three-match ODI series is now levelled at one each.
Root played a vital innings in the match as he accumulated 75 off 90 deliveries while his non-boundary strike-rate stood at 59.95, making him the first batsman to achieve this feat in ODIs. The English team's spinners bowled an impressive total of 40.3 overs and took seven wickets, with Rashid claiming two crucial top-order wickets.
In a move that has left cricket fans intrigued is England coach Brendon McCullum's decision to try out Rehan Ahmed at the top of the batting order for their upcoming ODIs against Sri Lanka.
The visitors posted a relatively modest total of 219 after England's spinners had turned the screw on a surface which offered appreciable turn. Charith Asalanka top-scored for Sri Lanka with 64-ball innings, while Dhananjaya de Silva chipped in with 40 runs.
England won the match by five wickets, with Root and Ben Duckett combining to set up an England victory at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. A series win for England now means that the three-match ODI series is now levelled at one each.
Root played a vital innings in the match as he accumulated 75 off 90 deliveries while his non-boundary strike-rate stood at 59.95, making him the first batsman to achieve this feat in ODIs. The English team's spinners bowled an impressive total of 40.3 overs and took seven wickets, with Rashid claiming two crucial top-order wickets.
In a move that has left cricket fans intrigued is England coach Brendon McCullum's decision to try out Rehan Ahmed at the top of the batting order for their upcoming ODIs against Sri Lanka.
. But what really got me thinking is Brendon McCullum's move to try out Rehan Ahmed at the top of the batting order... I think it's a bold (pun intended) move, but could lead to some exciting changes in the team's dynamics 
. It'll be interesting to see how this new strategy unfolds and what impact it has on their overall performance 
.
England's all-round win in Colombo was really well played, they managed to get back into the series and now it's anyone's game! 75 from Joe Root is a big innings, he looked so calm and composed on that surface 
. And those spinners of England were just brilliant, Rashid took two crucial wickets at a great rate, what an all-rounder! 
The move by Brendon McCullum trying out Rehan Ahmed up the order is interesting too, it'll be cool to see how he performs in the next games 
. But what really got me thinking is how England coach Brendon McCullum is trying out Rehan Ahmed at the top of the order... I mean, it’s an interesting move, but will it pay off? 
So England just edged closer to leveling their ODI series with Sri Lanka... I guess you could say they finally found a way to ' spin' things in their favor! 
But seriously, that 75 from Joe Root? 
.
. It'll be interesting to see how this new strategy plays out in the next matches. One thing for sure, it's not just about winning the series, it's also about who gets to call the shots and lead the team forward 
what an amazing match 
! I'm so stoked for the English team, they played such a great game and totally deserved that win 
his 75 was insane and those spinners were like total rockstars 
Rashid's two wickets were clutch and made all the difference! And can we talk about how England's team dynamic is coming together, it's like they're all meant to be together 
? Also, Rehan Ahmed trying out at number one for his upcoming matches? Yaaas, I'm all in on this new player 
let's see if he brings more of that magic to the field! 
️. And I gotta say, that 59.95 strike rate is some next-level stuff 
.
. And Joe Root, man... his stats are insane! That 75 in 90 deliveries with a strike rate of 59.95 is like, whoa 
. Now, if they can win the next match, the series will be levelled at one each 
. Fingers crossed for England!
, especially with that insane strike rate of 59.95 
, and Rehan Ahmed trying out at the top of the order? Game changer 
! England totally deserves this series win 
. Can't wait to see what Brendon McCullum has in store for the next matches 
The fact that England levelled the ODI series 1-1 is super exciting, and I'm hyped for the next match! 
Joe Root's innings was pure perfection, he's literally the king of ODIs right now 
. Can't wait to see what Brendon McCullum has in store for the next match #EnglandVsSriLanka #ODISeries #CricketFansUnite 