England top CWC Super League table after win in first ODI

Scorecard

The win also means England have edged ahead of Bangladesh to go to No.1 in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League standings (powered by MRF Tyres).

Chasing a sub-par 186 was by no means an easy feat for the hosts, who started well but stuttered thereafter as the Sri Lankan bowlers hit back with quick wickets. However, Root showed application and shared a patient 91-run stand for the fifth wicket that all but sealed the game for England.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the England bowlers made early in-roads, dismissing three out of Sri Lanka's top four for single-digit scores, including debutant Charith Asalanka for a duck. At 46/3, the visitors were on the verge of yet another collapse on this tour before Kusal Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga dragged Sri Lanka out of trouble with a hard-fought 99-run stand.

Just when it looked like the game was starting to get away from England, Chris Woakes struck twice in two overs to send Hasaranga and Dhananjaya Lakshan back to the pavilion and trigger another collapse. Moeen Ali trapped Ramesh Mendis in front of the stumps before David Willey brought an end to Perera's one-man show as he holed out in the deep while attempting to clear the boundary on a well-made 74. The tail did not offer much resistance as Sri Lanka lost their last seven wickets for just 40 runs, going from 145/3 to 185 all-out.

Chris Woakes was the wrecker-in-chief for England, returning with figures of 4/18 in his 10 overs. He was well supported by David Willey who picked up three wickets, including the important scalp of Perera.

In response, England got off to a flying start as Jonny Bairstow raced to 43 off just 21 balls. However, Sri Lanka put the brakes on the scoring rate by scalping openers Bairstow and Liam Livingstone in two consecutive overs. Soon after Dushmantha Chameera sent skipper Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings packing as the scoreboard read 80/4 at the end of 12 overs.

England needed someone to help stabilise the innings and Root just did that by securing one end. He pounced on the bad balls and cautiously played out the others and along with Moeen Ali kept the scorecard ticking. Moeen, who got a reprieve on the first ball he faced when the keeper dropped him off Chameera, played the perfect supporting fiddle.

The duo continued without further trouble and Root brought up his 34th ODI fifty with ease. With less than 20 required, Chameera got his man when he bowled Moeen in the 32nd over, breaking the 91-run stand.

But it was too little too late for the visitors as Sam Curran and Root comfortably took England past the finishing line.

The second ODI will be played on Thursday, 1 July at The Oval.