Cricket: England Into Semi-Finals

 

Jos Buttler's scintillating half-century propelled nervy England to a 10-run victory over Sri Lanka and into the semi-finals of the ICC World T20 after a thrilling encounter in Delhi.  Buttler kick-started England's innings after coming in during the 11th over, helping his team fire 72 from the last five overs to post a total of 171-4 in their must-win game at Feroz Shah Kotla.

Sri Lanka crumbled to 15-4 in reply and although Angelo Mathews gave England more than a few jitters and left his team needing 15 from the final over, the reigning champions ended on 161-8 as Eoin Morgan's men sealed a probable last-four showdown with Group 2 winners New Zealand.

England had lost Alex Hales in the second over, the opener in for James Vince after overcoming the back strain that forced him to miss the win over Afghanistan trapped lbw by Rangana Herath for a four-ball duck from a delivery that hit him outside the line of off stump.

England men could yet finish top of Group 1 and play India or Australia, but would need already-qualified West Indies to suffer a thumping defeat against Afghanistan on Sunday for that to happen.