Introduction:
Sri Lanka produced a clinical performance to exploit England’s frailties and secure a comprehensive eight-wicket victory in the Cricket World Cup 2023 match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday. The win kept Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive, while England’s title defence suffered a major setback.
Sri Lanka Dominate with the Ball
Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were in top form, dismissing England for just 156 in 25.2 overs. Then, Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the bowlers, bagging four wickets for 35 runs. Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga also chipped in with two wickets each.
Moreover, England’s batting woes continued in this match, with only Jonny Bairstow (34) and Liam Livingstone (28) making any significant contributions. The rest of the batsmen failed to fire, and England were bundled out for their second-lowest total in World Cups.
England’s Top Order Crumbles
England’s top order was once again under the cosh, as they lost three wickets inside the first 10 overs. Jason Roy, Joe Root and Ben Stokes were all dismissed cheaply, leaving England reeling at 23/3.
England’s Batting Woes Continue
England’s batting woes continued in this match, with only Jonny Bairstow (34) and Liam Livingstone (28) making any significant contributions. The rest of the batsmen failed to fire, and England were bowled out for 156 in 25.2 overs. This was their second-lowest total in World Cups.
Bairstow and Livingstone Offer Brief Resistance
Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone tried to rebuild the England innings with a 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession, and England’s collapse continued.
Sri Lanka Chase Down Target with Ease
Sri Lanka chased down the target of 157 with ease, reaching the target in just 26 overs. Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama shared an unbeaten 137-run partnership for the third wicket to guide Sri Lanka to victory. Nissanka scored 77 runs, while Samarawickrama scored 65 runs.
Sri Lanka Cruise to Victory
Sri Lanka chased down the target of 157 with ease, reaching the target in just 26 overs. Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama shared an unbeaten 137-run partnership for the third wicket to guide Sri Lanka to victory. Nissanka scored 77 runs, while Samarawickrama scored 65 runs.
Conclusion:
Sri Lanka’s victory over England was a much needed one, as it kept their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. England, on the other hand, will need to find a way to turn things around if they want to defend their title.