Sri Lanka v England 2007-07

At Dambulla, October 7, 2007 (day/night). England won by two wickets (D/L method). Toss: Sri Lanka.

Swann justified his selection ahead of popular favourite Panesar with four wickets and another useful innings. He also disproved the theory that winning the toss secured the match, even on a pitch made all the more sluggish by being used for a second time. England's improving seam attack reduced Sri Lanka to 42 for four, with Sidebottom claiming two early wickets for the second game running. The key spell, however, was delivered by Swann, who demolished Sri Lanka's middle order with three wickets in his first four overs and finally removed Dilshan, who had held the innings together with a disciplined 70 off 84 balls. Their target revised to 164 off 48 overs by a shower, England's progress was by no means smooth. Maharoof seized three wickets and they were 107 for seven when Broad joined Swann. Together, they added a crucial 40 in the next ten overs and, although Swann fell with 17 needed, Broad demonstrated the same composure he had shown against India at Old Trafford to edge a tight finish.