Sri Lanka beat England
in first ODI

Marvan Atapattu and Russel Arnold shared a telling partnership of 70 as Sri Lanka secured a five-wicket win over England in their first one-day international on Friday.

With Sri Lanka slumping to 58 for four in the 16th over in pursuit of a target of 144, Atapattu (40) and Arnold, who made an unbeaten 39, decisively swung the balance.

Their fifth wicket stand ensured Sri Lanka ultimately won the first game of the three-match series at 144 for five with 9.1 overs to spare.

Pace trio Alan Mullally, Darren Gough and Andy Caddick had shaken Sri Lanka by capturing three wickets for eight runs in six overs after they reached 50 for one.

England were earlier dismissed for 143 in 48.5 overs after Muttiah Muralitharan snapped up four for 29, including two wickets with consecutive balls.

Off-spinner Muralitharan removed Andrew Flintoff (2) and Craig White with his double strike, having earlier accounted for Michael Vaughan (9), and completed his haul by dismissing last man Mullally.

Graham Thorpe, the century-making hero of England's victory in the test series decider in Colombo at the weekend, was again their most impressive batsman. He scored an unbeaten 62 from 107 deliveries, hitting five fours.

The Dambulla ground was staging its first international cricket match after building work started only six months ago.

Mail Cricket Editor