Sri Lanka has caused a major upset in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup by defeating England with ease, winning by 8 wickets and nearly 25 overs to spare. This stunning victory has sent shockwaves through the tournament, with England’s campaign continuing to unravel. Let’s delve into the key takeaways from this thrilling match.
England’s Batting Woes:
England, known for its strong batting lineup, once again struggled to put up a competitive total. Despite winning the toss and opting to bat first, they could only manage a meager 156 runs. This disappointing performance can be attributed to the inability of their top-order batsmen to convert starts into substantial scores. The pitch, while challenging, demanded adaptation, something that was lacking in England’s approach. This loss marks the third consecutive defeat for England, which is a rare occurrence for a team of this caliber in World Cup history.
Sri Lanka’s Remarkable Comeback:
On the other hand, Sri Lanka, after suffering three straight losses, has made a strong comeback with two consecutive wins. This win has reinvigorated their World Cup campaign, and they will be eager to build on this momentum. Kusal Mendis, one of the standout performers, highlighted the importance of winning the next few matches to secure a spot in the semifinals. Lahiru Kumara, the Player of the Match, played a vital role with his disciplined bowling, and Angelo Mathews, with his all-round abilities, showcased the value he brings to the team.
NRR going up is good for the team. We bowled very well today. Everyone did really well today. Another 4 games left. If we win 3 games back to back, we’ll be in the semis. Players did well last match also. Hope we can do well next couple of matches. Kumara did well today. He’s the main fast bowler in Sri Lanka. Bowled 140-145 speeds. Very happy that he came back strong today. Mathews bowled really well. He offers so many things. Can bat also. Can play the pressure situation also. I’m very lucky to be playing with him. Fielding was excellent today. Want to keep doing the same in the next 4 matches
Kusal Mendis
Playing a team like England, I’m very happy to perform this way today. Didn’t make a lot of changes after the previous match, the Australia game was an off day for me. I’ve worked hard on my bowling. (On Mathews) Having him back is an inspiration, he gave me a lot of support and was talking to me throughout. (On his role in the team) The plan was to attack the middle overs with disciplined bowling, and we were rewarded with wickets.
Lahiru Kumara (Player of the Match)
England’s Streak Comes to an End:
| Year | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | SL | 2 runs |
| 2011 | SL | 10 wickets |
| 2015 | SL | 9 wickets |
| 2019 | SL | 20 runs |
| 2023 | SL | 8 wickets* |
- England led Sri Lanka 6-1 in World Cups before this sequence, with Sri Lanka’s only win coming in the 1996 quarter-final.
- This is the first time England has lost three consecutive matches in a World Cup edition since 1996.
- Sri Lanka beat England for the fifth time in a row in the World Cups since 2007.
Before this sequence of matches, England had a commanding 6-1 lead over Sri Lanka in World Cup encounters. However, Sri Lanka’s fifth consecutive victory against England in the World Cup since 2007 indicates a significant shift in dynamics. This victory also marks the first time England has lost three consecutive matches in a World Cup edition since 1996.
Key Statistics:
| Highest Partnership | Batsmen | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 231* | T Dilshan & U Tharanga | Colombo (RPS) | 2011 |
| 212* | K Sangakkara & L Thirimanne | Wellington | 2015 |
| 137* | P Nissanka & S Samarawickrama | Bengaluru | 2023 |
- The highest partnership for Sri Lanka against England in World Cups was between P Nissanka and S Samarawickrama, amassing an unbeaten 137 runs for the third wicket.
- Lahiru Kumara was the standout performer, and his role as the main fast bowler for Sri Lanka was pivotal in this victory.
England’s Struggles Continue:
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, expressed his frustration at the team’s inability to perform at their best. He emphasized that England needs to regain its form and adhere to the standards they’ve set for themselves. The team’s struggles with both bat and ball have been evident, and they need to address these issues to get back to playing good cricket.
It’s incredibly tough. As a captain you feel that a lot – disappointed with myself and the boys that we’ve not shown our best. We’re playing a long way short of our best. There’s a lot of really experienced cricketers in the room. You don’t become a bad team overnight. That’s the frustration. We’ve been so far short of our best, and there’s no particular reason. Can’t put my finger on it. Selection is something you want to be consistent with. Selection hasn’t been our problem. We’ve been short of our standards. Lots of the dismissals – Root’s run out – you don’t see that kind of mistakes from us. Haven’t been building partnerships. Not doing the basic things well with both bat and ball. The biggest thing is personal pride. The standards we set for ourselves. Rest of the matches we want to get back to playing good cricket. Whatever will be will be.
Jos Butler
Sri Lanka’s Resurgence:
Sri Lanka’s resurgence in the World Cup is a testament to their determination and ability to bounce back after a series of defeats. They will be looking to capitalize on this victory and continue their journey towards the semifinals.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka’s emphatic win over England has turned the tables in the World Cup, leaving England with a challenging road ahead to secure a spot in the semifinals. This victory is a clear reminder that in cricket, anything can happen, and the underdogs can rise to the occasion to change the course of the tournament. The cricketing world awaits with bated breath to see what other surprises this World Cup has in store.