Sanath Jayasuriya's 122 saw Sri Lanka to a total of 319 for eight, their best against England, in the second one-day international at The Oval here on Tuesday. The tourists' total was built around a second-wicket stand of 160 between Jayasuriya and skipper Mahela Jayawardene (66).
Left-handed opener Jayasuriya's hundred was his 20th at this level - more than the combined total of the England team - while Sri Lanka's score was their best against England in a one-day international, surpassing the 303 for nine they made at Adelaide in 1999.
But things might have been worse for England, already 1-0 down in the five-match series, as Sri Lanka had looked on course for a target of 350 while their two most experienced batsmen were together.
The hosts did have the consolation of fast bowler Stephen Harmison's impressive haul of three for 31 from 10 overs. But fellow quick Sajid Mahmood's seven overs cost 80 runs although he did take two wickets. England, who'd conceded a record 42 extras in a series-opening, 20-run defeat by Sri Lanka at Lord's on Saturday, gave away 33 at The Oval.
They struck early when Upul Tharanga, who'd scored a man-of-the-match winning 120 at Lord's, edged Harmison to first slip Marcus Trescothick for 17.
But Jayawardene, who'd won the toss, showed his intentions by getting off the mark with a whipped legside six off Mahmood and four balls later carved him extravagantly over cover for four. Jayasuriya then advanced down the pitch to drive Mahmood for four and two balls later uppercut him for six.
Jaysauriya, 37 later this month, then completed a 68-ball fifty with one six and five fours. He continued to take a toll of Mahmood, lofting him for six over deep square leg with the bowler's first five overs costing 60 runs.
Jayawardene meanwhile turned Liam Plunkett down to fine leg for four to bring up a run-a-ball fifty with one six and three fours. England though then had a lucky break when Sri Lanka gifted them a wicket.
SRI LANKA:
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U. Tharanga c Trescothick b Harmison 17
S. Jayasuriya c Bresnan b Harmison 122
M. Jayawardene run out 66
K. Sangakkara c Pietersen b Mahmood 51
T. Dilshan b Bresnan 9
R. Arnold c Strauss b Harmison 5
F. Maharoof run out 0
C. Vaas c Jones b Mahmood 13
L. Malinga not out 2
M. Muralitharan not out 1
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EXTRAS: (B-4, LB-7, W-21, NB-1) 33
TOTAL: (for 8 wkts, 50 overs) 319
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