At least this contest went the distance. After a series of truncated Tests the outcome of this isolated T20 match was in doubt until the penultimate ball. England, thanks to some inspired out-cricket in the closing overs – after some shabbier stuff earlier on – won by five runs. With the match in the balance
Moeen Ali produced an abundant one-day innings to raise horizons and rouse spirits, but it will take more than a one-man masterclass, however brilliant, to turn England into fancied World Cup contenders. Moeen clocked the third fastest ODI hundred in England’s history, but ultimately it was Sri Lanka whose 25-run victory gave them first strike