Swann, Broad star in thrilling win
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
England's lower order held their nerve to edge a thrilling two-wicket win at Dambulla to take a 2-1 lead in the series, reports Cricinfo.
They made hard work of chasing 164, but Stuart Broad again showed his calmness under pressure with an unbeaten 20 as the win came with seven balls to spare. Graeme Swann's outstanding series continued with a Man of the Match display as he followed 4 for 34 with a vital 25, but when he was bowled with 17 still needed it was left to Ryan Sidebottom to accompany Broad.
It is the second time in six one-day internationals that Broad has helped England across the line in a tense scenario after he and Ravi Bopara completed a thrilling chase against India, at Old Trafford, in August. As in that match the run rate was never a major issue for England even when they slumped to 107 for 7.
They made hard work of chasing 164, but Stuart Broad again showed his calmness under pressure with an unbeaten 20 as the win came with seven balls to spare. Graeme Swann's outstanding series continued with a Man of the Match display as he followed 4 for 34 with a vital 25, but when he was bowled with 17 still needed it was left to Ryan Sidebottom to accompany Broad.
It is the second time in six one-day internationals that Broad has helped England across the line in a tense scenario after he and Ravi Bopara completed a thrilling chase against India, at Old Trafford, in August. As in that match the run rate was never a major issue for England even when they slumped to 107 for 7.