Related Links : England in Sri Lanka 2007/08 : Scorecard
England have secured a historic One Day Series win in Sri Lanka after they won the fourth ODI at Colombo in a comprehensive fashion. Collingwood’s team has taken a lead of 3-1 with a 5-wicket win at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo chasing a modest target of 212. Kevin Pietersen struck gold in this series with an unbeaten 63 to drive his side to victory with 19 balls to spare.
Earlier in the afternoon, Sri Lanka fought back after a dismal start to post 211 for 9 thanks to a 126-run stand between Kumar Sangakkara (69 from 102) and Chamara Silva (67 from 101) for the fourth wicket. The three fast bowlers for England took eight wickets among themselves. James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom, the two opening bowlers not only took three wickets each but also were very economical.
Under lights, England were set on a good platform through the 54-run stand between Cook and Bell (25). Cook (80 from 123 with 6 fours) went onto add another important partnership which was worth 110 runs with Kevin Pietersen (63 from 75 with 4 fours and a six) which was good enough for the victory to be secured. Alastair Cook was the Man of the Match was his responsible knock.