England women sneak opener

Danielle Hazell took career-best figures of 3-22 as England narrowly beat Sri Lanka in the first one-dayer

England women made a winning start to their tour of Sri Lanka but they had to endure a few scares along the way before edging a tense five-run victory in the first one-day international of two in Colombo.

After being bowled out for 192 - a total underpinned by Claire Taylor’s steady 73 - the tourists looked in trouble as Sri Lanka openers Chamari Polgampola and Chamari Atapattu laid a strong platform for a successful chase with a 64-run stand.

But off-spinner Danielle Hazell turned the game on its head with career-best figures of 3-22 from 10 overs as the hosts slipped to 78 for four at Nondescripts Cricket Club.

England, who gave debuts to Fran Wilson and Lauren Griffiths, became clear favourites when captain Charlotte Edwards trapped Sandamali Dolawatta leg before to leave the hosts 86 for five in the 28th over.

Sri Lanka, however, refused to buckle and gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Eshani Kaushalya and Dilani Manodara compiled a half-century stand, which left the home side needing 55 at just more than a run a ball.

The returning Isa Guhu ended their stout resistance by bowling Manodara as England took three wickets in quick succession to leave Sri Lanka 156 for eight midway through the 46th over.

There was a late sting in the tail as Sripali Weerakkody thrashed a quickfire 19, including the game's first six, to bring Sri Lanka within touching distance.

Jenny Gunn was entrusted with the final over and the vice-captain held her nerve as the game went to the last delivery, from which Rukshala Dharmasiri failed to clear the ropes for a maiden victory over England.

Earlier in the day, after Edwards won the toss, the ever-reliable Taylor built a patient innings to help England reach a competitive target.

Claire Taylor cracked 73 off 93 balls before England were bowled out for 192 - a total which proved just enough

Coming to the crease after England lost Heather Knight without a run on the board, Taylor hit her third ODI half-century in five matches to reshape the innings.

She put on 86 with Gunn who struck three fours - half of the team's boundary total - en route to 39.

Both fell in quick succession as England slipped to 143 for six and it needed cameos from Laura Marsh and Anya Shrubsole, who hit her first ODI runs, to propel the tourists near the 200-mark.

Deepika Rasangika, who can also keep wicket, took 4-38 with her medium-pacers in a game that was delayed a day and moved from the P Sara Oval, which will host the final ODI on Wednesday ahead of three Twenty20 internationals at Nondescripts CC.

Taylor, whose innings occupied 93 balls, said: “We performed well in patches and had two good partnerships. It’s the first time we have been on grass for three months.

“Sri Lanka were well drilled and put in a good performance hitting some good boundaries.”

Hazell added: “It was great to get a win under our belts and good to be back on grass.

“I’m pleased with my performance and to pick up three key wickets; I’m happy with that.

“I’m looking forward to the second ODI on Wednesday where we’ll be looking for a 2-0 series win.”