England take an early lead in their ODI series by beating Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka had almost crippled England by taking out their middle order in the first One Day International (ODI) at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street but it was not enough to seal a win. A determined England later halted their free fall and worked hard to a five-wicket win. Sri Lanka batted first and standing firm against the onslaught of England Bowlers put up a target of 185 runs. England then easily chased down the target in just 34.5 overs to enjoy a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The credit for the win mostly goes to an unbeaten knock of Joe Root with 79 off 87 with four boundaries. England found stability with the 97 runs fifth-wicket partnership of Root and Moeen Ali after they slumped to 80 for 4 and their winning chances looked bleak.