11.58pm So, it's been an unnecessarily long day, full of digressions, delays, and ultimately some flamboyant cricket from a mightily confident England team who have lived up to their pre-tour billing. And, well, it's now two minutes to midnight in Pallekele. Which, in light of everything we were (head)banging on about earlier today, feels distinctly apt. Goodnight all!
Eoin Morgan "It's been quite a long day, I can't fault our bowlers, Sri Lanka came out fighting early on but three of our bowlers were outstanding today. To restrict them to 150 on a surface like this was a fantastic effort."
"We bowled our slower balls and cutters really well. Can't praise the bowlers enough.
"Losing two wickets, there was potential for a stutter, but the wicket was too good."
Good headaches for England, he adds. "Lots of disappointed guys in the dressing room, but competition for places creates a very healthy atmosphere."
11.45pm Here are the presentations. Oh, and here's a gallery that Alan has lovingly compiled too ...
The Man of the Match is Adil Rashid for his 4 for 36 haul. "We bowled exceptionally well as a team. It came out nicely, I've been practising hard in the nets, and I've got a simple gameplan." And a simple interview technique too.
Thisara Perera speaks on behalf of Sri Lanka ... Chandimal is hors de combat for some unknown reason. But he'll be fine, we are assured.
11.39pm Sean H.: "Today's performance can be summarized by the top 5 batsmen from each team. Sri Lanka's top 5: 105 runs from 98 balls. England's top 5: 146 runs from 111 balls." It can also be summarised by the split of Sri Lanka's innings. 45 for 0 after four overs. 105 for 9 in their next 17...
Ishan G : "@Devamithra: Morgan's strike rate was 118, Chandimal's was 81. Definitely not "run-a-ball"." Well there you go, a nonsensical gripe is proven to be even more nonsensical. Next!
11.34pm A seven-wicket win, sealed in style in spite of the abysmal weather and even worse scheduling. England are guaranteed a share of the series at least, and it's hard to see how they'll be denied by a team whose morale is pretty low at present. An off-night for Malinga after his five-wicket heroics at Dambulla, and though Akila threatened, there's was little to prevent England cruising home.
Devamithra: "Wow, While Morgan is praised for his run-a-ball innings, Chandimal is being criticized for same. #DoubleStandards" Not remotely the same context, but at least Chandimal hung around. The sense was that Morgan had unused extra gears, whereas Sri Lanka's batsmen were permanently at their limits
Siva: "Im just asking myself: Would England play the same way if say, Stokes was captain.. and I think yes.. Agreed, Morgan brought this style and the team bought it.. But doesnt mean hes indispensible, even as captain..." Morgan has a tactical awareness and a man-management sense that goes way beyond what you see in the final analysis
Nine to win. Not long to go now ...
END OF OVER:18 | 9 Runs | ENG: 142/3 (10 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 7.88, RRR: 3.33)
- Eoin Morgan53 (47b)
- Ben Stokes29 (23b)
- Thisara Perera1-0-8-0
- Lasith Malinga4-0-39-0
Dez: "50 from Morgan but surely Curran for MOM?" Either him or Rashid. Four wickets for a leggie in damp weather is exceptional
Mohd Irshad: "Is that the same Morgan guy, suggesting to be sitting on bench during world cup if needs to be?" He was obliged to volunteer his vulnerability, it's not the same as promising to drop himself. And besides, I'd keep him regardless of form. He's too important as a captain
Four overs to go. Powerplay 3. Here's Perera for the first time tonight
END OF OVER:17 | 6 Runs | ENG: 133/3 (19 runs required from 24 balls, RR: 7.82, RRR: 4.75)
- Eoin Morgan46 (43b)
- Ben Stokes28 (21b)
- Lasith Malinga4-0-39-0
- Dhananjaya de Silva4-0-23-0
Omar Wasim : "Srilanka are looking utterly toothless... This is getting too easy for England! Wouldn't be surprised if Srilanka slip further down the rankings below Afghanistan (and possibly other associate nations). "
