England’s World Cup title defense appears to be on the brink of collapse following their fourth defeat, this time at the hands of Sri Lanka. The English team now needs to win all their remaining games, significantly improve their net run rate, and hope for favorable outcomes in other matches to have a shot at the semi-finals.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has climbed to fifth place in the standings after this victory, marking their fifth consecutive win against England in the Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Impressive Sri Lanka Overpowers England

While England’s performance in Bengaluru was lackluster, Sri Lanka was in top form. They dismantled the English attack with stellar bowling performances from Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, and Angelo Mathews. The team comfortably reached their modest target of 157 runs, thanks to exceptional half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama.

England had a glimmer of hope when David Willey took two early wickets, but Nissanka and Samarawickrama’s counterattack put Sri Lanka in a commanding position. The duo’s century stand not only secured the victory but also significantly boosted Sri Lanka’s net run rate.

Match 25: Sri Lanka Triumphs Over England by 8 Wickets

England’s captain, Jos Buttler, won the toss and chose to bat first. Despite making three changes to the lineup, England was bowled out for a meager 156 runs – the lowest total ever recorded in an ODI in Bengaluru. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Kumara, Mathews, and Rajitha, were instrumental in this feat, taking the majority of the wickets. The team also showcased sharp fielding skills, resulting in two run-outs.

England’s Batting Woes

England’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure, with Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, and Liam Livingstone failing to make significant contributions. Ben Stokes, who top-scored with 43 runs, couldn’t rescue the team single-handedly. England’s innings ended at 156 runs in 33.2 overs, leaving their bowlers with a daunting task.

Sri Lanka’s Smooth Chase

Despite Willey’s promising opening spell, Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the target. The early wickets of Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis didn’t deter the Lankan batsmen, who capitalized on England’s change bowlers to accelerate towards the target. Samarawickrama and Nissanka remained unbeaten, scoring 65 and 77 runs respectively, and securing a crucial victory for Sri Lanka.

Team Lineups

England:

Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (c) (wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.