JOIN USTillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene and Kusal Perera hit half-centuries to steer Sri Lanka to 317-6 in the first ODI against England in Colombo, here on Wednesday.
Dilshan top-scored with 88, Jayawardene hit a fluent 55 and Perera made 59 as the hosts took advantage of England’s wayward and indisciplined attack that produced 17 wides.
The start of the day-night match at the Premadasa stadium was delayed by an hour due to bad weather, but the umpires decided to play a full 50-overs-a-side game.
England’s decision to field first in overcast conditions did not bear fruit as Dilshan and Perera put on 120 for the first wicket by the 23rd over to give the hosts a flying start.
Left-handed Perera was run out soon after reaching his half-century after a mix-up as Dilshan refused a second run.
England, who till then had failed to stem the flow of runs, struck again in the next over when Moeen Ali trapped Kumar Sangakkara leg-before for two. Sangakkara reviewed the decision after consulting non-striker Dilshan, but television replays favoured the bowler.
Dilshan missed his century when he tapped a slower ball from Chris Woakes back to the bowler in the 38th over, ending a 76-run stand for the third wicket with Jayawardene.