Mahela Jayawardene top scored for Sri Lanka with 42 runs © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Pallekele: Oct 1, 2012
A gritty show by the middle order followed by a cautious start at the top by Mahela Jayawardene at the top has helped Sri Lanka reach 169 runs for the loss of six wickets against England in the Super Eights clash of World T20 on Monday.
Winning the toss, England asked the hosts to bat first. Tillakaratne Dilshan (16) was dismissed early as he was trapped leg before wicket by Steve Finn.
Jayawardene continued to push the Sri Lankan innings but was removed by spinner Graeme Swann at the half-way mark after the batsman scored 42 runs.
Swann followed the dismissal with another big scalp the very next delivery by dismissing Kumar Sangakkara (13) whose partnership with Jayawardene added 39 runs to the team’s total.
Post Jayawardene’s departure, it was the partnership between Angelo Mathews and Jeevan Mendis that gave shape to the Sri Lankan innings. The duo added 52 runs for the fourth wicket.
Sri Lanka’s semi-final chances hanging by the thread, defending champions England are faced with a must-win situation against unbeaten hosts Sri Lanka.
Brief Score: Sri Lanka 169 for 6 in 20 overs (Mahela Jayawardene 42, Angelo Mathews 28; Stuart Broad 3 for 32,Graeme Swann 2 for 26) vs England
Video: Sri Lanka vs England - Who holds the advantage?
ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2012: Match time table with group details
