Related Links

Link to Scorecard

England batting came croppers at Dambulla to lose the first ODI by an embarrassing margin of 119. Farveez Maharoof with match winning figures of 4 for 31 proved that there was enough force in the Sri Lankan bowling despite the absence of Muttiah Muralitharan. England were shot out for a paltry 150 under lights chasing 270.

Sri Lanka got off to a slow start but could make amends through Jayasuriya's presence in the middle after having won the toss. The homeside could get the partnerships coming throughout their innings to put up a competitive 269 for 7. The openers Tharanga (40 from 63) and Jayasuriya (41 in 35 with 5 fours and a six) put on 71 for the first wicket. Sangakkara (38) and Jayawardene took the game forward with their partnership of 71. This was followed up with another impressive stand of 69 between Jayawardene (66 in 74 with 4 fours) and Chamara Silva (33). Maharoof gave the finishing with the long handle with his 12-ball 22. For England, Sidebottom, Broad and Collingwood picked up a couple of wickets each.

Wicket Keeper batsman Phil Mustard on Debut gave a good start for England along with Cook but his side lost its way once Farveez Maharoof got into the attack. Maharoof broke the backbone of the English batting with three key wickets that included Bell, Pietersen and Collingwood. It was match over for England when they lost half their side for just 91 in the 23rd over. They soon got bowled out in 34.5 overs for 150. Cook was the top scorer with an 80-ball 46 before being Maharood's fourth victim and the sixth wicket to fall. Ravi Bopara remained unbeaten almost helplessly on 27.

England had earlier given a recall for Graeme Swann, an off spinning all rounder who happened to play an ODI after seven long years! Swann did well to end up with 1 for 47 in his 10 overs and also chipping with 27. The Man of the Match for this first One Dayer was Farveez Maharoof for his impressive seam bowling. The 2nd ODI is at this same venue on the 4th.

Top of the Page