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Magical Malinga, magnificent Mathhews lead Sri Lanka shocking England

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Update: 2019-06-22 11:28:14
Magical Malinga, magnificent Mathhews lead Sri Lanka shocking England

ICC World Cup 2019 Match 27 Played at Leeds, Headingley on 21 June 
Sri Lanka vs England 
Brief Score Card-
Sri Lanka 232/9 (AD Mathews 85, WA Fernando 49, BKG Mrendis 46, DMde Silva 29, MA Wood 3/40, JC Archer 3/52, AJ Rashid 2/45) beat England 212 All Out (BA Stokes 82* , JE Root 57,EJG Morgan 21, SL Malinga 4/43, DMde Silva 3/52,I Udana 2/41) by 20 Runs.

Player of the Match: SL Malinga.

Spirited Sri Lanka spurred by a magical bowling action by maestro Malinga and ably supported by part time off spinner Dhananjaya de Silva (taking 3 wickets in 9 balls) caused a major surprise in the cricket world cup shocking England by 20 runs defeat. Low key Sri Lanka was almost written off by experts and analysts. Many thought the two points they achieved through rain grace ruining their matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh kept them alive. But the way they bounced back and successfully defended a below par 232 they scored have shaken the title aspirant host England and opened up the dog fight for the top four yet again. England was surprised as their power packed quality batting succumbed to Slinger Malinga, de Silva and Udana getting bundled out for 212. England with 8 points from 6 matches is still on 3rd position among the elite group of four. This win has elevated Sri Lanka with 6 points from 6 matches above Bangladesh at 5th.

The wicket at Leeds a was bit slow and gripping and the Sun was shining. Sri Lanka batting first immediately ran into crisis as fast and furious Archer and very accurate Woakes made early inroads removing Karunaratne and Perera within the first three overs. Young Fernando and Mendis playing some delightful strokes counter attacked English pacers. 59 quality runs were scored in the third wicket partnership when Fernando (49) failed trying to play one stroke too many. Mathews joined Mendis. This pair added 61 useful runs for the fourth wicket before Mendis got out. Quality English attack kept taking wickets at regular interval. But Mathews at one end played exceedingly well and remained not out scoring a patient but useful 85 in 115 deliveries. Sri Lanka posted 232 which at midway appeared at least 30 -40 less than a score to challenge very strong English batting.

But a team which has a sleeping Lion named Lasith
Malinga can be expected to unwind his magical spell any time. He choose this occasion bowling fast and letting go his in swinging Yorkers to perfection. Jonny Bairstow was trapped in front just on the second ball of the innings, Vince was removed in the 7th over. With 2 wickets gone in the first power play pressure was created in English camp. Morgan and Root tried resurrecting. But off no avail. Left arm Medium pacer had Morgan caught and bowled by a delivery that gripped and stopped. Malinga on this second spell quickly removed Root and Buttler reducing England to 5/144. England still had Stokes, Moin and Woakes for overhauling the target. But a magical spell of off spin by part timer DMde Silva taking 3 wickets in nine balls put paid to English efforts. At 8/178 England was looking down the barrel. It became impossible even for Stokes (82*) to take his team across the finishing tape. England was bundled out for 212 still 20 runs in arrears. This win has created an outside chance for Sri Lanka and has rang a wake up call for host England. From now on every match will be a virtual knock out for one team or the other.

Malinga and Mathhews were main heroes of Sri Lanka  in the match. Others alos contributed in the team efforts. They say English Lion and they also say Lankan Lions. When Lions from two continents meet there has to be surprise and there was surprise. 
Young Fernando, Mendis and DM de Silva also made useful contributions. Even NuwanPradeep also bowled mean inswingers with the new ball. He returned to bowl the last over taking the wicket of Wood. Stokes was left stranded at 82 off 89 balls. Udana varied his pace, took two wickets at crucial stage. Malinga deservedly won the player of the match. 

BDST: 1121 HRS, JUN 22, 2019
SMS

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