England continued their unbeaten start to the T20 World Cup after completing a 26 run win over Sri Lanka. A victory that virtually ensures England a semi-final place was orchestrated yet again by Jos Buttler.

On Saturday Buttler’s unbeaten 71 saw England cruise to victory against Australia. Yesterday, another Buttler masterclass of power hitting made sure England made it four wins from four.

England sent in by Sri Lanka

England named an unchanged line up against Sri Lanka. For the first time in the tournament England had to bat first. They lost Jason Roy(9) to Wanindu de Silva and were in further trouble when Sri Lanka struck twice. Dawid Malan(6) was bowled by Chameera and with Jonny Bairstow lbw first ball, England were in trouble on 35 for 3.

Buttler decided the best form of defence was attack and launched into the Sri Lankan attack. He hit an unbeaten 101 from 67 balls including six 6’s and six fours. Buttler was ably assisted by Captain Eoin Morgan who made 40 as the pair added 112 in 13 overs, with England finishing on 163-4.

Sri Lanka soon in trouble

Sri Lanka were dealt a blow in their run chase after only three deliveries when Pathum Nissanka(1) was run out. Asalanka made 21 before he was caught and bowled by Adil Rashid.

England kept taking wickets at regular intervals at Sri Lanka slipped to 76 for 5. However, a stand of 53 between de Silva and Shanaka was ended when Liam Livingstone had de Silva(34) caught at long on. A brillianrt piece of work behind the stumps from Buttler ran out Shanka(26) as Sri Lanka’s hopes of victory fell away.

Chris Jordan and Moeen Ali ran through the tail as England proved once again why they are a big force to be reckoned with in this tournament.

England’s final math in the super 12’s will be on Saturday when they face South Africa. Whatever the outcome, England look certain to finish top of the group via their excellent net run rate.