ICC Men's Cricket WC: Lanka stun England by 8-wkt victory

Sports Reporter :
Sri Lanka stunned defending champions England by eight wickets win in their fifth match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at Bengaluru in India on Thursday.

After yesterday’s outcome, Sri Lanka collected four points from five matches, while England remained with two points from as many matches.

Chasing England’s total of 156 off 33.2 overs, Sri Lanka coasted home making 160 for the loss of two wickets when they had 146 deliveries to spare.

Sri Lanka had a sorrow start as they lost their early two wickets for 23 runs.

Opener Pathum Nissanka and second-down Sadeera Samarawickrama powered their side to earn a massive eight-wicket victory against England scoring together 137 runs for the unbroken third wicket partnership.

Nissanka remained unbeaten with 77 runs. His 83-ball innings was laced with seven fours and two sixers.

Samarawickrama remained unbeaten with 65 runs. He struck seven fours and a sixer in his 54-ball knock.

David Willey bagged two wickets at the cost of 30 runs.

Later, Lankan bowlers dominated English batters.

Lahiru Kumara captured three wickets giving 35 runs.

Lahiru was adjudged the Man of the Match.

Angelo Mathews, Kusan Rajitha picked up two wickets each instead of 14 and 36 runs respectively.

Besides, Maheesh Theekshana took one wicket for 21 runs.

Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan could make respectable scores.

Ben Stokes notched up a sedate 43. His 73-ball innings was studded with six victories.

Bairstow hit a fine 30. His 31-ball innings had three fours.

Malan made 28 from 25 deliveries including six fours.