England and Sri Lanka locked horns with each other in the first of the three-match ODI series. Earlier, England dominated the 3-match T20I series by inflicting a clean sweep on Sri Lanka. However, the ODI opener already kick-started at the Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street in Durham.
England’s limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan won the toss and opted to field first. A lot was expected of Sri Lanka in the ODIs especially after being thrashed in the T20Is. However, it seems teh visitors haven’t picked up their lessons yet as they got bundled out for a meager score of 185. They were bundled out for a paltry total in 42.3 overs.
Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Perera was the pick of the batsmen as he played a decent knock of 73 runs off 81 balls. The southpaw beautifully constructed his innings with the help of seven boundaries at a strike rate of 90.12. However, he was stunned by England’s right-arm fast bowler Mark Wood with a gem of a delivery.
ALSO READ: Kane Williamson Admits Test Mace Is Heavier Than He Thought
Mark Wood might not have taken any wicket during the game but he was one of the best economical bowlers. He bowled 7 overs to his name where he conceded only 19 runs at an economy of 2.70. During the fifth ball of the 13th over, Mark Wood absolutely stunned Kusal Perera with a non-wicket-taking delivery.
Here's a question: What's the best *non-wicket-taking* delivery that you've ever seen?
pic.twitter.com/iaBZWTtVtB— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) June 29, 2021
Wanindu Hasaranga was the second-best batsman for Sri Lanka. He also managed to score a fifty but was dismissed by Chris Woakes. Hasaranga departed after scoring 54 off 65 deliveries.
He constructed his innings with the help of 6 fours and a six at a strike rate of 83.08. On the other hand, Chris Woakes was the pick of the bowlers for England. The right-arm pacer also managed to scalp 4 dismissals.
ALSO READ: BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla Reveals Why T20 WC 2021 Shifted
Chris Woakes bowled as many as 5 maidens and conceded just 18 runs. He maintained an impressive economic rate of 1.80. David Willey was the second-best bowler for England as he also scalped 3 wickets to his name. Moeen Ali settled for one wicket. England is the clear-cut favorites to take the first lead in the three-match ODI series.
