England smashed 50 runs off five overs to win the third and final Test against Sri Lanka with six balls to spare in a compelling climax on the fifth and last day at Old Trafford on Monday.
Marcus Trescothick hammered an unbeaten 23 and Michael Vaughan hit 24 not out to accomplish the task in style for a 10-wicket success that enabled England to take the series 2-0.
BRIEF SCORES
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England: 512 and 50 for no loss (M Trescothick 23 not out, M Vaughan 24 not out). |
They were set a target of exactly 50 in six overs after Sri Lanka, who followed on 259 behind, were dismissed for 308 late in the final session.
They looked like saving the match until left-arm spinner Ashley Giles wrapped up the innings by snapping up the last two wickets in consecutive balls.
The touring team’s hopes had been raised by a battling 109 from opener Russel Arnold, who followed his 62 in the first innings with his third Test century, resisting for 367 minutes and hitting 13 fours.