Lanka win an enthralling match
The ICC Cricket World Cup Super Eight match between England and Sri Lanka was one of the most enthralling matches played in the history of Cricket World Cup as the latter managed to defeat England by a margin of just two runs.
The Lankan lions came to bat first, they progressed with a good run rate before until Sanath Jayasuriya was bowled by Mahmood at score of 25 which included four fours and a six. Next to go was Kumar Sangakkara at a score of 17 runs.
After two top order batsmen returned to pavilion opener Upul Tharanga and skipper Mahela Jayawardene played sensibly and patiently to put on 91 run stand to bring stability to the Lankan innings.
Tharanga made a contribution of 62 runs before falling to a Andrew Flintoff. Soon after Lankan Skipper Jaywardene returned to dressing room, he made 56 runs. Sri Lanka was then 175 for four in the 39th over.
The Lankan lower order collapsed soon after, six quick wickets fell for 60 runs in 11 overs. The wickets were of Dilshan for five, Lasith Malinga at two, Russel Arnold scoring 20, Chaminda Vaas at four runs last wicket was that of Dilhara Fernando who was run out on the last ball of 50 th over.
Chasing 236 to win, English team faltered in the beginning their innings as they lost both openers Michael Vaughan as well as Ed Joyce for just 11 runs within first few overs. Skipper Vaughan was out for a duck and Joyce scored 10 runs.
Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen put on a crucial 90 runs stand before Sri Lanka got a lucky breakthrough when Bell was declared run out for 43. Pietersen was caught and bowled by Muralitharan his 58 run 80-ball innings included five fours and a six
Just as Lankans started celebrating Nixon and Bopara gave an electric performance. Bopara was given man of the match award for his maiden ODI fifty while Nixon made 42 off 44 balls. With three runs needed off the last ball, Fernando dismissed Bopara with a perfect delivery. This match was the first truly classic and heart warming contest in this ICC Cricket World Cup.
Brief Score: England 233/8 (Pietersen 58, Bopara 52) vs. Sri Lanka 235 (Tharanga 62, Jayawardene 56)
Result: Sri Lanka won the match by two runs
Man of the Match: Ravi Bopara
To know more about Cricket World Cup 2007, check the following links:
Points Table
Highlights
Match Scorecards
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