Cricket World Cup 2019: England lose to Sri Lanka after Lasith Malinga magic
The two met at Headingley on Friday
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Your support makes all the difference.England suffered a shock defeat to Sri Lanka in the Cricket World Cup at Headingley.
Eoin Morgan's men were on a high after a blistering innings from the skipper himself powered them to a 150-run win over Afghanistan at Old Trafford on Tuesday. But they came crashing down to earth at Headingley as Lasith Malinga shredded their top order on the way to a famous win.
Here's how it played out:
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England 148-5 (34 overs)
A little nudge by Stokes to the leg side zips away on the outfield, and goes for four.
That's all from Thisara Perera's sixth over though - England now need 85 from 96 balls.
England 150-5 (35 overs)
Three singles again, as Ali steers a full toss to deep cover off the last ball.
It's amazing how the tempo throughout this game in terms of batting has been so strikingly similar with both teams...
90 balls to go.
England 154-5 (36 overs) Stokes 44 (54) Ali 4 (10)
Single, dot, single, dot, single, dot. Another three runs from an over, yet England stay ahead of the rate.
79 needed from 84 balls.
Dhananjaya de Silva comes back into the attack - he's got five overs left.
Malinga only has two left...
England 159-5 (37 overs)
Five of the over: three singles and a 2.
England very happy to crawl home here - no big shots at all being attempted.
England 164-5 (38 overs)
It's a fortunate slice off the bat from Ali, which falls short of Malinga at third man!
Another five of the over, keeping with the rate.
WICKET! England: 170-6. Ali ct Udana b de Silva 16 (20) (38.3 overs)
Moeen Ali, after sweeping for six, tries to go big again but doesn't get enough on it, and Udana takes a good catch down on the boundary at long-off!
Given the scenario, perhaps not the smartest shot from Ali. England now six down.
This is tantalisingly poised! England still need 63 runs...
England 171-6 (39 overs)
Woakes gets off the mark straight away with a single down the ground.
62 off 66 balls. 4 wickets left. Where will the next twist come from?
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