England’s World Cup hopes diminish after shocking defeat to Sri Lanka

Team Udayavani, Oct 26, 2023, 7:34 PM IST

England, the reigning World Cup champions, encountered a shocking setback as they faced a disheartening defeat against Sri Lanka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. In a decisive World Cup match, England’s dream of securing a spot in the semi-finals is now hanging by a thread.

England won the toss and chose to bat first. Their innings were marked by a formidable display of bowling from the Sri Lankan team, who managed to bowl out England for just 156 runs in 33.2 overs. England’s batting lineup struggled to counter the tight and efficient bowling attack mounted by the Lankans.

In response to England’s modest target, Sri Lanka swiftly scored 160 runs while losing only two wickets in 25.4 overs, clinching an emphatic 8-wicket victory. The partnership of openers Pathum Nissanka (77*) and Sadira Samarawickrama (65*) played a pivotal role in securing the win, with both batsmen delivering impressive half-centuries. Kusal Perera contributed 4 runs, while captain Kusal Mendis managed 11 runs before getting dismissed. Nissanka’s performance marked his fourth consecutive half-century in the tournament.

The defeat to Sri Lanka marks England’s fourth loss in the World Cup, significantly denting their hopes of progressing to the semi-finals. Their previous losses came at the hands of New Zealand, South Africa, and Afghanistan, with their lone victory being against Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka celebrates their second victory in the World Cup, following their previous wins against South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia, solidifying their standing in the tournament.