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T20 World Cup, ENG vs SL: Ben Stokes stands tall as England secure a close win

Debashis Sarangi

image-la3s1jtyEngland players celebrating a dismissal [Source: AP]

The 39th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup witnessed England edge past Sri Lanka by four wickets in Sydney. The Three Lions booked their semifinal berth with this thrilling victory. Also, England's victory marked Australia's exit from the showpiece event. 


Nissanka's fifty ensures a respectable total for Sri Lanka

After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to a decent start, with Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka adding 39 runs for the first wicket. However, Mendis' dismissal triggered a collapse that engulfed Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka. 

image-la3rxieaNissanka played a crucial knock [Source: AP]

Adding to Sri Lanka's miseries, Pathum Nissanka also departed after scoring a flamboyant 45-ball 67 with the help of two fours and five sixes. However, Bhanuka Rajapaksa's vital 22-run cameo ensured a decent finish for Sri Lanka, propelling them to 141 at the end of 20 overs. 

Mark Wood was England's pick of the bowlers, scalping three wickets for 26 runs. 


Ben Stokes holds his nerve to seize the day for England

England began the chase emphatically, as Alex Hales and Jos Buttler hammered the Lankan bowlers all around the park to collect 75 runs for the first wicket. 

image-la3tvu71Ben Stokes in action [Source: AP]

But, soon, the Lankan spinners wreaked havoc in the English camp and England quickly found themselves down on the mat, reeling at 111 for five. While Hasaranga removed the deadly openers, Dhananjaya de Silva picked the prized scalps of Harry Brook and Moeen Ali. Liam Livinsgstone also couldn't do much, making his way back to the dugout for four runs. 

However, Ben Stokes (42* off 36) stood tall and sailed the English ship smoothly, getting ample support from Chris Woakes. The duo rotated the strike, batted as per the demand of the situation and helped England get over the finish line with two balls to spare. 


Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 141/8 (20)
Pathum Nissanka 67 (45), Bhanuka Rajapaksa 22 (22);
Mark Wood 3/26 (3), Adil Rashid 1/16 (4)

England: 144/6 (19.4)
Alex Hales 47 (30), Ben Stokes 42* (36);
Wanindu Hasaranga 2/23 (4), Dhananjaya de Silva 2/24 (4)

England won by four wickets. 

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