Steve Finn helped England to a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the third one-day international in Hambantota, reigniting their hopes of a series win.

Defeat in both of their first two matches in the seven-game series had left the tourists in desperate need of a victory ahead of the third match and Peter Moore’s side delivered on Wednesday.

Watford-born Finn finished with figures of one for 42 from seven overs, claiming the wicket of opener Tilakaratne Dilshan for 23 as Sri Lanka’s innings ended on 242 for eight.

England won by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis method after finishing with 236 for five – thanks largely to Moeen Ali’s innings of 58 off just 40 balls and 48 from Joe Root.

On Saturday England had fallen 2-0 behind in the series with an eight-wicket defeat in Colombo.

Batting first, England made 185 all out, with Ravi Bopara (51) and Root (42) top-scoring for the tourists, whilst Finn was removed for a duck by Ajantha Mendis after facing just two balls.

Sri Lanka made light work of bettering the target set by England, losing two wickets en route to 186.

Middlesex bowler Finn took the wicket of Kushal Perera to finish with one for 35 from six overs. The fourth ODI begins in Colombo on Sunday with the series finely poised.