Shah boosts England's hopes

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England battled to a respectable total in the second one-day international at Dambulla with Owais Shah marshalling a recovery from 61 for 4. His 92-ball 82, adding 70 off 69 balls with Graeme Swann, lifted England to 234, which appeared unlikely as the top order floundered against an impressive Sri Lankan attack. Farveez Maharoof added three more scalps to his four from Monday, but all the bowlers played their part in keeping England under wraps, reports Cricinfo.
It was the third innings in a row during which barely registered on the Richter Scale, with England collected 13 fours and a paltry one six during their 50 overs. The bulk of the batting was tip-and-run and, but for large periods it was all they were allowed to do by the excellence of the Sri Lankan bowlers. However, Shah's sparky effort - helping bring 151 runs from the second 25 overs - has given them something to defend under the lights, when conditions could encourage the fast bowlers.
Sri Lanka 165/9(43 overs) v England 234-8 (50 overs)