Record-breaking Hales, Roy power England to victory

Saturday, June 25, 2016 - srilankacricket.lk

Jason Roy and Alex Hales both hit unbeaten centuries as England powered to a 10-wicket in in just 34.1 overs against Sri Lanka in the second One-Day International on Friday (June 24). England now leads the five-match series 1-0 after the first match had ended in a tie at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.

Opting to bat at Edgbaston in Birmingham, Sri Lanka put up 254 for 7. But England’s openers ensured a comfortable win. Both men recorded their highest ODI scores, Roy finishing on 112 not out off 95 balls and Hales ending with an unbeaten 133 off just 110 balls. Roy was named Man of the Match, after also effecting two run outs.

Hales and Roy surpassed the 250 partnership that Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott had put on for the second wicket against Bangladesh, also at Edgbaston, in 2010, to set a new record for England in ODIs. England’s total was also the highest by any side winning an ODI by 10 wickets, going past the 236 scored by New Zealand against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2015.

Victory also meant that England won the inaugural multi-format Super Series, having taken a 13-3 lead in the points, which Sri Lanka cannot overtake now.

“The chase was absolutely remarkable,” said Eoin Morgan, the England captain. “I’ve never experienced anything like that where we were so in control without being reckless.”

Sri Lanka’s bowling didn’t have the services of Angelo Mathews, the captain. Mathews had suffered a hamstring injury in the first ODI. “I’m disappointed I couldn’t contribute with the ball,” acknowledged Mathews. “Our bowling was not penetrative enough on this wicket. Jason and Alex batted brilliantly. Getting 250 runs without losing a wicket was a fantastic achievement. We just need to forget about this as soon as possible.”

Mathews had contributed a valuable 44 off 54 when Sri Lanka batted, propping up the innings in the company of Dinesh Chandimal (52 off 86) before Upul Tharanga provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 53 off 49 balls to prop up the score.

Sri Lanka tour of England 2016 – 2nd ODI at Edgbaston View Full

England’s bowling was led by Adil Rashid, who finished with 2 for 34 in 10 overs, and made his strikes at key moments to swing the game towards the home team. Rashid first got Mathews, getting a top edge off a sweep shot that Liam Plunkett caught at short fine-leg in the 33rdover. When Rashid came back for his next over, he had Seekkuge Prasanna caught by David Willey, running in from mid-on to dive and complete a fine take. Sri Lanka had gone from a healthy 159 for 3 to 163 for 5, and the momentum had shifted.

Eventually, despite Sri Lanka’s competitive total, England’s openers made sure the match was headed only one way.

(Courtesy: International Cricket Council)