England Edged Out By Sri Lanka In Series Opener

A century from Moeen Ali was not enough to prevent an improved England falling to a narrow 25-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the first one-day international in Colombo.

Opener Moeen led from the front with a superb innings of 119 from just 87 balls as the tourists looked to chase down the hosts' total of 317, of which Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 88, Kusal Perera 59 and Mahela Jayawardene 55.

Had they achieved this feat it would have set a new record run-chase by an England international side in ODI cricket.

But Worcestershire batsman Moeen was given little support by the top order and when he himself fell with 20 overs remaining and England still 115 runs from victory it left the remaining five batsmen with too much to do.

Ravi Bopara brought them close with an impressive 65, but he was unable to carry England home and was last man out when he skied a catch to Kusal Perera off the bowling of namesake Thisara.