England beat Sri Lanka in one-dayer

England beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the one-day cricket game in Kandy to trail the hosts 2-3 in the best-of-seven series.

Rain has postponed the one-day international between England and Sri Lanka in Kandy. (AAP)

England defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the fifth one-day international in Kandy on Thursday to stay in the hunt in the seven-match series.

England, who bowled out hosts Sri Lanka for 239 in 49 overs on Wednesday, surpassed the target with five balls to spare in their must-win match, to trail Sri Lanka 2-3 in the series.

The match was played over two days because of rain in the mountain city of Kandy on Wednesday.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 239 in 49 overs. England 5-240 in 49.1 overs