Sri Lanka have won their Twenty20 international against England at The Oval by nine runs this evening.
Openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mathurage Perera were both out early on as the tourists opted to bat first, but a 54-run stand for the third wicket left Sri Lanka in a strong position.
Following Lahiru Thirimanne's exit for 40 runs, Thisara Perera came to the crease for the final four overs, and hit 49 off 20 balls to post the highest total of the innings before being run out, helping his side set England a target of 184 for victory.
The home side's reply started slowly when Michael Carberry was caught in the second over for just seven runs, but fellow opener Alex Hales led the chase with 66 before being bowled by Lasith Malinga, who finished the day with three wickets.
Hales was unable to build a partnership with the middle order batsman, as Joe Root and Eoin Morgan were both out for five, while Ian Bell could only add 13.
Needing 26 off the final 15 balls, Ravi Bopara provided some late hope, finishing 28 not out, but the home side came up just short of their opponents' total.
Sian Cowper
