England 190-4 (19.2 overs) beat Sri Lanka 189-4 (20 overs) by six wickets
England's hopes of progressing from the group stage of the World T20 into the semi-finals took a huge boost as Hales guided them to a thrilling victory over Sri Lanka. Alex Hales scored an unbeaten 116 off 64 as England produced a spectacular run chase, seeing them defeat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final over of their innings. Jayawardene earlier hit 89 off 51 to take Sri Lanka's total up to 189-4 as England really struggled in the field, dropping a series of catches. With a tough task ahead of them, England got off to a nightmare start as they were reduced to 0-2 by the end of the first over as both Lumb and Moeen were sent back to the pavilion for ducks. However, an incredible 150 run partnership off 90 balls from Hales and Morgan revived England's innings and hopes of winning the game. Morgan was caught in the field for 57 in the 17th as England still needed 38 runs off 22 balls to win. Bopara managed a couple of fours whilst Hales passed his century to see England home with four balls to spare and fittingly hitting a six to win the match. A huge win for England gives them a great chance to go through into the semi-finals but they will need to beat South Africa in their next match to do so.
My Opinion:
That was a tale of two halves or in this case, two innings. England looked utterly hopeless in the field as they dropped catch after catch. Jayawardene made them really pay after scoring 89 off 51 despite being dropped early on in his innings. Dilshan provided some stability after scoring 55 from 47 but England really made them look good and had a massive task ahead of them to win the game as they reached 189-4 after 20 overs.
Things went quickly from bad to worse as after England's first over, they were reduced to 0-2. It seemed like this was going to get ugly really quick and it was tough to watch. Amazingly, Hales and Morgan put on a 150 run partnership between them which was clearly a turning point in the match and the momentum of the game. I didn't see this one coming but Hales announced himself on the international T20 scene with that innings. Morgan got caught in the field and that was a potential slip up moment as England could quite easily have collapsed. Thankfully, Bopara came in and hit two fours off one Malinga over which felt like gold dust. Hales was in the zone and in the end comfortably smashed England home with four balls to spare. Incredible innings from Hales who deservedly will take a lot of credit for that performance. That win really gives England some renewed hope of progressing out of the group stage but there is still work to do as South Africa will pose a strong challenge next. I have renewed belief and confidence in the England team but the fielding desperately needs to improve along with the batting of Lumb and Moeen. South Africa will be tough to beat but I now believe England can do it after that magical win today.
Match Guide: Key Moments
England win the toss and elect to field.
Sri Lanka Innings
(1.2) 4-1, K. Perera 3 (6), caught Buttler, Dernbach.
(5) 35-1, Dilshan 7*, Jayawardene 25*.
(8) 58-1, 50 partnership between Dilshan 22* and Jayawardene 32* off 40 balls.
(10) 70-1, Dilshan 32*, Jayawardene 34*.
(13) 103-1, 50 for Jayawardene off 32 balls and Dilshan 38*.
(14) 117-1, 100 partnership between Dilshan 40* and Jayawardene 73*.
(15) 130-1, Dilshan 42*, Jayawardene 82*.
(16) 143-1, 50 for Dilshan.
(16.4) 149-2, Jayawardene 89 (51), 11 fours and 3 sixes, bowled by Jordan.
(17) 152-2, Dilshan 51*, T. Perera 2*.
(17.2) 156-3, Dilshan 55 (47), 4 fours and 2 sixes, caught Jordan, Dernbach.
(18.1) 169-4, Sangakkara 0 (1), caught Hales, Jordan.
(20) 189-4, T. Perera 23*(12), 2 fours and 1 six, Mathews 11*(5), 1 six.
Batsman of the Innings: Jayawardene 89 (51)
Bowler of the Innings: Jordan 2-28
England Innings
(0.5) 0-1, Lumb 0 (5), bowled by Kulasekara.
(1) 0-2, Moeen 0 (1), caught Senanayake, Kulasekara.
(5) 31-2, Hales 21*, Morgan 9*.
(8) 52-2, 50 partnership between Hales 34* and Morgan 17* off 42 balls.
(10) 72-2, Hales 40*, Morgan 30*.
(13) 108-2, 100 partnership off 72 balls and 50 for Hales off 38 balls, Morgan 48*.
(14) 117-2, 50 for Morgan off 32 balls.
(15) 142-2, Hales 86*, Morgan 55*.
(16) 151-1, 150 partnership off 90 balls between Hales 92* and Morgan 57*.
(16.2) 152-3, Morgan 57 (38), 7 fours and 2 sixes, caught Mathews, Kulasekara.
(17) 156-4, Buttler 2 (3), caught Chandimal, Kulasekara.
(18.2) 175-4, 100 for Hales off 60 balls.
(19.2) 190-4, Hales 116*(64), 11 fours and 6 sixes, Bopara 11*(6), 2 fours.
England win by six wickets.
Batsman of the Innings: Hales 116*(64)
Bowler of the Innings: Kulasekara 4-32
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