Sri Lanka v England 2007-07

At R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, October 10, 2007 (day/night). England won by five wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka.

England completed their first-ever one-day series win in Sri Lanka, after the new-ball attack continued their unexpected success against the hosts' top order. Having gone three games without a wicket, the longest barren run of his one-day international career, Anderson broke his duck by removing Jayasuriya, Jayawardene and Dilshan. He was matched by another stunning display of accuracy and variety of pace from Sidebottom. Despite slipping to 20 for three, Sri Lanka seemed on course for a major total while Sangakkara and Silva were adding 126 in 30 overs, but the return of the quicker bowlers denied them a late flurry, with regular wickets in the closing stages. England's run-chase was helped by the absence of Maharoof, Sri Lanka's best bowler in this series, with a side strain. A patient innings from Cook, who had escaped single figures only once in his previous six one-day internationals, steered England to within 18 runs of victory before a slower ball from Fernando crashed into his stumps; Pietersen remained to clinch the series win, punching the air to signal their success.