England’s World Cup is all but over after a shambolic eight-wicket defeat by Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.
The defending champions are not mathematically out but now must win all of their remaining games, including against unbeaten hosts India on Sunday, and hope an unlikely set of results go their way.
Attempting to respond to a record defeat by South Africa, England’s campaign slumped into complete disarray as they were bowled out for 156.
They reached 45-0 before the wicket of Dawid Malan, caught behind off 36-year-old Angelo Mathews for 28, began a miserable slide.
Joe Root ran himself out for a nervy three, Jonny Bairstow swiped to mid-on for 30 and captain Jos Buttler was caught behind for eight playing a flashing drive.
Ben Stokes dug in but holed out for 43 from 73 balls as wickets tumbled around him. England’s innings subsided in 33.2 overs.
David Willey dismissed Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis to reduce Sri Lanka to 23-2 inside six overs, but they still eased to victory with 24.2 to spare – Pathum Nissanka ending 77 not out and Sadeera Samarawickrama unbeaten on 65.
Sri Lanka, whose only previous win in this year’s tournament came against the Netherlands, jump to fifth in the standings while England are ninth, with only net run-rate keeping them off the bottom of the table. (BBC Sport)
