England v Sri Lanka, 4th ODI - 5 Talking Points

Jason Roy was the star of the show as England completed an emphatic series win over Sri Lanka at The Oval. The win sees England clinch the rain-marred series with an unassailable 2-0 lead over their opponents. The Oval witnessed a high-scoring encounter as well as a substantial amount of rain as the London faithful were treated to some extraordinary cricket. While England’s 6-wicket win was a talking point in itself, here are five talking points from the recently concluded match at The Oval.

1. Rain makes a divine intervention:

Rain in London is something of a mainstay. However, the rain didn’t disrupt proceedings as all the 50 overs were played. However, the wicket seemed to be extremely conducive to batting as both sides crossed the 300-run mark. The rain-water failed to slow down the pitch as well as England went on to claim a win in a very entertaining encounter.

2. Lankans top-order batting order fires:

For perhaps the first time in the series, it was the collective effort of the top-order batsmen. Although Kusal Perera perished early on in his innings, the Sri Lankan top-order batsmen Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis performed extremely well with the bat as they stitched a 128-run partnership. Mendis smashed 77 as Gunathilaka smashed 62 as the Lankans had well and truly laid a solid foundation.

3. Chandimal and Matthews add fireworks:

As has been the narrative for the most part in the series, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews came up with the goods yet again. They went on to add an impressive and quick-fire 87-run partnership. Moreover, Mathews reached his 31st half-century of his career while Dinesh Chandimal went strong with his 18th 50 plus score. Chandimal and Mathews smashed 63 and 67 respectively.

Also read – Eng v SL 4th ODI Review: Roy’s heroics see England accomplish 2nd most successful run chase

4. Jason Roy decimates Lankan bowlers:

Jason Roy is not someone who is known for his consistency. However, when he gets going, it is absolutely impossible to stop him. Similar to the World T20 semi-final, Roy absolutely clobbered the England bowlers to all parts of the stadium. He smashed a massive 162 off just 118 deliveries, a knock that 13 boundaries and three sixes. He was well supported by Joe Root at the other end who made a valiant 65. They smashed a wonderful 149-run partnership, yet another record-breaker.

5. England coast to victory:

Following the awe-inspiring blitz from Jason Roy, England coasted to victory with Eoin Morgan and Jonny Bairstow coming up with magnificent batting efforts to ensure an England victory. At the end, it was the English who reached a win with 6-wickets and 11 deliveries in hand.