Off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan returned to form with a vengeance yesterday, bagging four wickets as Sri Lanka defeated England by five wickets in their first one-day international.

Choosing to bat first on the newly-laid pitch at the new Rangiri Dambulla Cricket Stadium, England's batsmen were tied down by the Sri Lankan spinners and were dismissed for 143 in 48.5 overs.

Sri Lanka knocked the runs off in the 41st over, making 144 for five, although they they lost four wickets for 58 runs in the 16th over. However, a 70-run fifth wicket partnership between Marvan Atapattu, who scored 40 off 89 balls, and Russel Arnold, who was unbeaten on 39 off 83 balls saw Sri Lanka home.

Muralitharan, who the England batsmen countered effectively in the Test series which the tourists won 2-1, was in devastating form. He had Andrew Flintoff stumped by wicket-keeper Romesh Kaluwitharana for two and off the next delivery forced Craig White to edge a catch to slip fielder Indika de Saram.

Ashley Giles survived the next ball, but was run out for seven by a direct throw by Mahela Jayawardene from backward square leg.

Muralitharan also produced a superb diving catch at short mid-wicket to dismiss Andy Caddick.