27 Nov 2014

Sri Lanka take first blood

7:26 am on 27 November 2014

Sri Lanka has beaten England by 25 runs in the first one day cricket international in Colombo, to take first blood in the mammoth seven-match series.

Kusal Perera in action in the earlier series against England at Edgbaston in June

Kusal Perera in action in the earlier series against England at Edgbaston in June Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The hosts made 317 for six in their 50 overs, then bowled the English out for 292 at the start of the 48th over.

Tillakaratne Dilshan set the platform with a knock of 88, supported by fellow opening batsman Kusal Perera's 59, and Mahela Jayawardene's 55.

Moeen Ali top-scored with 119 for England while Ravi Bopara struck a 65. Thisara Perera grabbed a three-wicket bag but the Sri Lankans shared the wickets around in a solid team performance in the field.