Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka suffer another annihilation, lose the first ODI by five wickets

Sri Lanka cricket team suffered an annihilation in the first One Day International of the three-match series against England. Playing at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-street, England continued their domination in the 50-over format too as they completely outclassed the Sri Lanka team by five wickets.

The much-anticipated encounter between the two teams commenced with the home skipper Eoin Morgan winning the toss and inviting Kusal Perera-led side to bat first. Sri Lanka walked in the middle with the hopes of turning the tables in their favor after a disastrous outing in the shortest format of the game.

However, they were disappointed as the seamer Chris Woakes gave them the first hiccup after scalping the wicket of the opening batsman Pathum Nissanka when he was playing at five. This was followed by two back-to-back wickets in the form of Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka. 

While the wickets kept falling, the skipper Perera held his fort at one end as he gave a glimpse of his temperament and class. The visiting captain soon found an ally in Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga and Perera scripted a crucial partnership of 99 runs. 

Meanwhile, it was Woakes who gave the much-needed breakthrough to the England team by picking the wicket of Hasaranga. The all-rounder marched back to the pavilion after scoring a half-century. The 23-year-old’s wicket caused a horrific collapse of the batting line-up as soon Kusal also lost his wicket. Kusal played a sublime knock of 73 runs off 81 delivered in a pressure situation. 

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow take England home

The Three Lions then wrapped up the entire Lanka team under 43 overs to give themselves a target of 186. Woakes and David Willey deserve all the credit as they breathed fire with the ball. Chris was the pick of the bowler for the hosts with four wickets followed by Willey who returned with three scalps. 

Chasing 186 was never going to be a threat for the Three Lions. Though England lost their first wicket early in the game in the form of  Liam Livingstone, they had nothing to complain about. Jonny Bairstow gave the Sri Lanka bowlers a run for their money by hammering the ball all over the park.

Bairstow played a mind-boggling inning of 43 runs off 21 balls including six boundaries and one maximum. Meanwhile, it was Joe Root who emerged as the hero for his team. Making his comeback in the England side in ODIs, Root played a delightful inning of 79* runs.

Though Sri Lankan bowlers fetched some success by quickly sending England’s middle-order back to the pavilion, it wasn’t of any use. The hosts easily managed to put 189 runs on the scoreboard in just 34.5 overs to win the encounter by five wickets and take a lead by 1-0. 

Here’s how Twitter reacted: