England suffered yet another tail-end collapse to slump to another VB Series defeat under lights, this time against a rejuvenated Sri Lanka side.
Sri Lanka scored 284 for seven in their 50 overs before dismissing England for 253 in 49.2 overs, while off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan became only the fourth player to claim 300 wickets in one-day internationals.
All this came after England started brightly and looked on course for victory. Nick Knight (42) and Marcus Trescothick (82) made a 115 partnership before losing a wicket. England then were into self-destruct mode and lost six wickets for 64, leaving them with little chance of over-hauling their opponents.
Sri Lanka's win, their second in succession after starting the series with three straight defeats, keeps them in contention for the finals with 12 points. Australia have 22 from five games while England have 14 from six matches.
Filed by Rob Wright
