Who would have thought that the defending champions England would wander match to match looking for a win, despite the fact that it has a lineup filled with big names who have managed to create cult followings in India thanks to their magnificent performances in the IPL. The reigning champions crashed in a spectacular fashion with an 8-wicket loss that ended their playoff dreams.
Earlier in the day, England won the toss and chose to bat first. But the English innings lasted less than 3 hours and the flaws in their approach were flayed open by the Sri Lankan bowling attack on Thursday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. It looked as if the English batters had no spirit. The only notable performances came from the likes of the opening pair of Johnny Bairstow(30 in 31b), Dawid Malan(28 in 25b) and all-rounder Ben Stokes(43 in 73b). They managed to put up a measly total of 156 runs.
The Lankan bowling attack worked like well-greased machinery with each unit contributing in some way or the other. Some notable bowling performances included quickie Lahiru Kumara(7-0-35-3), veteran Angelo Mathews(5-1-14-2), pacer Kasun Rajitha(7-0-36-2) and spinner Maheesh Theekshana(8.2-1-21-1).
In the second innings, The Lankans had to chase an easy target of 157 runs but they were reduced to 23/2 in 5.2 overs as the English tried to make a contest of it. But the Lankan Lions had other plans. Opener Kusal Perera(4 in 5b) and captain-wicket keeper Kusal Mendis(11 in 12b) went early getting caught on pacer David Willey’s bowling(5-0-30-2). But opener Pathum Nissanka(77 n.o. 83b, 7×4, 2×6) and number four batsman Sadeera Samarawickrama(65 n.o. 54b, 7×4, 1×6) showed who’s boss with their explosive yet classy batting performances.
The English taught cricket around the world, but this is the Asian age and Sri Lanka turned masters to give English cricket a lesson. This comes at a time when the English skipper, Jos Butler said before the tournament, “We are not defending anything” and their legendary number three batsman Joe Root in the midst of the tournament said, “…well there is talk about whether the 50 over tournament is relevant anymore anyway.”
Unfortunately, with this myopic approach, English cricket should be ready to collect the ashes of their white ball cricket!
With this win, Sri Lanka has kept their playoff dreams alive and is hot on the heels of Australia, for the coveted playoff spot.
Here’s the latest look at the points table after Thursday’s match:
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points |
| India | 5 | 5 | 0 | 10 |
| South Africa | 5 | 4 | 1 | 8 |
| New Zealand | 5 | 4 | 1 | 8 |
| Australia | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Sri Lanka | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Pakistan | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Afghanistan | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Bangladesh | 5 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| England | 5 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Netherlands | 5 | 1 | 4 | 2 |