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Patna : England beat Sri Lanka (SL) by 7 wickets in the 1st test at Galle International Stadium, Galle, SL, on Day 5 on January 18, 2021, to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match test series. England captain Joe Root, who had scored 228 in first innings, was named Player Of The Match. It was England’s 4th consecutive victory in test matches in SL.
Set a target of 74 runs, England scored 76/3 in 24.2 overs to win the 1st test. Jonny Bairstow, who had scored 47 in first innings, remained unbeaten on 35 in 65 balls with 2 fours while debutant Daniel Lawrence, who had scored 73 in first innings, remained unbeaten on 21 in 52 balls.
SL had won the toss and opted to bat but were all out for just 135 runs in their first innings. Engalnd scored 421 in their first innings. SL scored 359 in their 2nd innings with opener Lahiru Thirimanne scoring 111. His opening partner Kusal Perera scored 62 while captain Dinesh Chandimal scored 20 runs.