Sri Lanka propelled England towards World Cup elimination with a resounding eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru, India. Chasing a modest 157, Sri Lanka triumphed with 146 balls to spare, led by the formidable performances of Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Nissanka’s unbeaten 77, his fourth consecutive half-century in the tournament, and Samarawickrama’s 65 not out sealed the win.
Earlier, Sri Lanka limited England to 156 all out in 33.2 overs, with Ben Stokes providing the only resistance amidst a lackluster batting display.
Stokes aggressively countered Sri Lanka’s bowling attack but was caught by Dushan Hemantha off Lahiru Kumara’s delivery in the 31st over.
England initially capitalized on luck as Jonny Bairstow survived a leg-before-wicket chance before succumbing to Kasun Rajitha.
Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews’ superb spell, including the dismissals of Dawid Malan and Joe Root, compounded England’s woes, leaving them reeling at 85-5.
Mathews, a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana, continued to make an impact, snaring Moeen Ali and contributing to Chris Woakes’ dismissal.
