Sri Lanka found themselves at 83-3 after the 21st over, with Mathews and Dhananjaya at the crease. However, an unfortunate thumb injury to Chandimal forced him to retire hurt after scoring 10 runs off Mark Wood’s delivery. Sri Lanka were still 46 runs behind England.
The game saw some intense action as Mathews and Chandimal battled against the English bowlers. Karunaratne was dismissed by Wood in the 13th over, bringing Mathews and Chandimal together at the crease. Mathews managed to find some form, scoring runs despite the tough bowling from Woakes and Atkinson.
English captain Woakes showed signs of frustration as Mathews managed to score runs off him. Overall, the match was a good contest between the experienced Sri Lankan batsmen and the English bowlers. Mathews and Chandimal, with their vast experience, fought hard to get their team back in the game.
The match also prompted discussions among fans about the 2005 Ashes series, with some questioning whether a draw can be a satisfying result in cricket. Despite the exciting cricket on display, the series from the mid-2000s was not considered perfect, with some controversies and missed opportunities for a grandstand finish.
Overall, the match between Sri Lanka and England showcased some great cricketing moments, with injuries, strong bowling performances, and experienced players trying to turn the tide in their team’s favor. Cricket fans eagerly waited to see how the game would unfold in the later overs.
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