Sri Lanka beat England by one wicket in record run chase

Sri Lanka scored 303 for nine with two balls to spare to overhaul England's winning total of 302 for three.

The Sri Lankans total beat the old record set by New Zealand when they made 297 for six against England here 16 years ago.

Earlier the game reached flashpoint when Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga argued with the umpires and took his players from the field after spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was no-balled for throwing.

In an amazing finish Muralitharan hit the winning run with two balls remaining for the delirious Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka's hero was Mahela Jayawardene, who hit a superb 120 while England's total was boosted by Graeme Hick's 126 not out and an unbeaten 78 from Neil Fairbrother.

``I never thought it would have happened. He has bowled all over the world and never had a problem,'' captain Arjuna Ranatunga said of the contentious no-balling of Muralitharan.

``I blame the individual (umpire Ross Emerson) and the people (Australian Cricket Board) who were responsible for appointing him in the first place.

``We knew we had to win the game for Murali and that's what happened out there,'' he added.

Ranatunga explained that his finger-wagging at umpire Emerson in the leadup to the walkoff was to clear up some misunderstandings.

``I had to clear up some misunderstandings with the umpires. It was very tense, it was the tensest game I've played in for a long time and I suppose the Murali incident was the reason for it,'' said Ranatunga.

The match had an explosive finish with Sri Lankan batsman Roshan Mahanama deliberately obstructing Darren Gough from picking up the ball to throw down the wicket - Gough appealed against Mahanama which should have resulted in him being given out for obstruction but instead Emerson told off Gough for feinting a head butt at the batsman.

England captain Alec Stewart said: ``It was tense and there were a few things that happened that we don't want to see again.

Asked about the no-balling incident, Stewart said: ``I'm not allowed to comment due to ICC regulations, but you've got to get on with the game and that didn't happen. I think things have to be sorted out.

``It came to a head today, but something has to be done.''

Sri Lanka are level with Australia on four points behind leaders England who have eight points.

Sri Lanka plays Australia here on Sunday.