Root propels Lions to series win

Yorkshire batsman hits 110 not out in deciding match

Last updated: 7th February 2012  

Root propels Lions to series win

Joe Root: Unbeaten century in England Lions victory

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Joe Root's unbeaten century helped England Lions clinch a 3-2 victory in their one-day series against Sri Lanka A with a 117-run win in Colombo.

Yorkshire batsman Root made 110 not out while in-form Jos Buttler clubbed a quickfire 64 as the Lions ran up an imposing 330-6 at the R.Premadasa Stadium.

Danny Briggs and Samit Patel then took three wickets apiece as Sri Lanka A, who had battled back from 2-0 down in the series to set up a decider, were bowled out for 213 in reply.

Batting first after winning the toss, England were given a flying start by Alex Hales' 46 before Root and captain James Taylor (41) shared in an 86-run stand for the third wicket.

After Taylor had gone and Craig Kieswetter has departed cheaply, Root was then joined by Buttler and the pair put on 97 in less than 10 overs.

Somerset batsman Buttler, with two centuries in the series, continued his impressive form as he smashed five fours and five sixes in his 31-ball knock.

Buttler departed in the 45th over but Root and his Yorkshire team-mate Jonny Bairstow (27) helped the Lions past 300.

That total proved far too much for Sri Lanka A, who despite six of their top seven passing 20 were bowled out with almost 10 overs remaining.

Briggs finished with figures of three for 27 off 9.2 overs while his fellow slow left-armer Patel claimed 3-55 off 10.

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