England trump SL in low-scoring 3rd T20I to complete whitewash
What's the story
England defeated Sri Lanka by 12 runs in a nail-biting third and final T20I of the series in Pallekele, completing a clean sweep of the three-match T20 series. The win was led by Sam Curran's impressive performance, who scored a career-best 58 runs after an early collapse of the top order. Despite posting a modest total of 128/9, England crossed the line as their spinners managed to take nine wickets. Here are the key stats.
1st innings
England posted a below-par total
England's top order crumbled under the pressure of Sri Lankan bowlers as four of their top-five batters bagged single-digit scores. The visitors were reduced to 60/6 at one stage, threatening their chances of a competitive total. However, Curran and Liam Dawson (14) steadied the ship with a crucial 47-run partnership. The former went on to score a fifty. Dushmantha Chameera headlined the innings with his five-wicket haul as England were restricted to 128/9.
Chase collapse
Bethell's brilliance seals the win for England
Sri Lanka started their chase well as they were well placed at 62/2 at one stage. However, spinners Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell dismantled their middle order by sharing seven wickets. Bethell, in fact, took three wickets in the 18th over to knock the Lankan team out. His four-fer helped England defend their total of 128/9 successfully, marking a record for the lowest total they have ever defended in T20s.
Upcoming matches
World Cup preparations boosted for England
With this series win, Team England goes into the World Cup with momentum. Their first match is against Nepal on Sunday, February 9. The team will be hoping to carry this winning streak into the tournament and make a strong start in their World Cup campaign. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, who are co-hosting the event alongside India, have some work to do.
Curran
Curran races past 500 T20I runs
Curran clocked six fours and a maximum en route to his 48-ball 58. With his second fifty in the format, the all-rounder has raced to 529 runs from 67 T20I matches at an average of 19.59, as per ESPNcricinfo (SR: 130.61). Overall, in T20 cricket, Curran now has 33 fifties and a ton. He has completed 5,429 runs from 322 games at 25.97.
Chameera
Chameera scripts records with his maiden T20I fifer
Chameera, who finished his four-over spell with figures worth 5/24, became just the fifth Sri Lankan bowler to claim a five-wicket haul in T20Is. Having played 71 T20Is, the pacer has raced to 83 wickets at 24.69. He now owns two four-fers besides a fifer. Versus England, he has taken 12 wickets from just six matches at 7.46.