Menu

England vs Sri Lanka, Match 27, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 - CommentaryENG vs SL, Match 27, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 - Commentary

Sri Lanka won by 20 runs
Sri Lanka
232/9(50)
England
212(47)
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Harsha Bhogle: This WC was heading towards many dead rubbers. Today's result has changed that and I am looking at the matches to come through a different lens
Harsha Bhogle: This WC was heading towards many dead rubbers. Today's result has changed that and I am looking at the matches to come through a different lens
Harsha Bhogle: Brilliant from Sri Lanka. England showing a soft underbelly in chases? Delighted for Malinga.
Harsha Bhogle: Brilliant from Sri Lanka. England showing a soft underbelly in chases? Delighted for Malinga.
cricbuzz-live-match-27-england-v-sri-lanka-post-match-show

Cricbuzz LIVE: Match 27, England v Sri Lanka, Post-match show

udana-to-stokes-bsixb-sensational-shot-goes-like-a-missile-into-the-crowd-what-a-finish-weve-got-lined-up-stokes-vs-sri-lanka-nasser-hussain-screams-on-air-charges-at-udana-here-and-smokes-this-length-ball-over-long-off

Udana to Stokes, SIX, sensational shot, goes like a missile into the crowd. What a finish we've got lined up! "Stokes vs Sri Lanka," Nasser Hussain screams on air. Charges at Udana here and smokes this length ball over long-off

udana-to-stokes-bsixb-this-is-mighty-from-ben-stokes-right-in-the-slot-for-him-and-he-unleashes-all-the-pent-up-frustration-with-a-monstrous-hit-over-long-on

Udana to Stokes, SIX, this is mighty from Ben Stokes! Right in the slot for him and he unleashes all the pent-up frustration with a monstrous hit over long-on

lasith-malinga-one-more-time
Lasith Malinga, one more time
Can Lasith Malinga, one of cricket's greatest non-conformists, sign off with a fitting finish?
Adithya S E: Mark Wood jinxed it for England with his comment in the break.
shivam goel: This loss could have a dent on England's confidence.
udana-to-jofra-archer-boutb-caught-by-perera-an-absolute-stinker-from-archer-for-some-reason-he-takes-it-upon-himself-to-go-for-the-big-shot-but-all-he-does-is-put-this-slower-ball-straight-down-long-ons-throat-with-ben-stokes-watching-in-wonder-fist-pumps-double-fist-pumps-sri-lanka-on-the-brink-bjofra-archer-c-perera-b-udana-311b

Udana to Jofra Archer, out Caught by Perera!! An absolute stinker from Archer. For some reason, he takes it upon himself to go for the big shot. But all he does is put this slower ball straight down long-on's throat, with Ben Stokes watching in wonder. Fist-pumps, double fist-pumps! Sri Lanka on the brink. Jofra Archer c Perera b Udana 3(11)

dhananjaya-de-silva-to-adil-rashid-boutb-caught-by-kusal-perera-another-edge-and-another-lovely-catch-from-perera-oh-sri-lanka-theyre-jumping-with-joy-at-headingley-as-dhananjaya-snaps-up-another-one-with-a-ball-that-slides-on-and-deceives-the-batsman-with-its-lack-of-turn-rashid-wanted-to-punch-through-the-covers-only-to-feed-an-edge-to-perera-who-hangs-on-sri-lanka-hanging-on-to-their-hopes-badil-rashid-c-kusal-perera-b-dhananjaya-de-silva-12b

Dhananjaya de Silva to Adil Rashid, out Caught by Kusal Perera!! Another edge, and another lovely catch from Perera. Oh Sri Lanka. They're jumping with joy at Headingley as Dhananjaya snaps up another one with a ball that slides on and deceives the batsman with its lack of turn. Rashid wanted to punch through the covers, only to feed an edge to Perera who hangs on. Sri Lanka hanging on to their hopes. Adil Rashid c Kusal Perera b Dhananjaya de Silva 1(2)

dhananjaya-de-silva-to-woakes-boutb-caught-by-kusal-perera-dhananjayas-got-another-one-and-he-has-kusal-perera-to-thank-for-it-this-is-a-really-good-catch-considering-how-big-the-deflection-was-flat-length-ball-outside-off-woakes-hops-back-to-cut-and-gets-a-healthy-outside-edge-perera-does-ever-so-well-to-hang-onto-it-this-is-getting-really-tasty-now-bwoakes-c-kusal-perera-b-dhananjaya-de-silva-24b

Dhananjaya de Silva to Woakes, out Caught by Kusal Perera!! Dhananjaya's got another one. And he has Kusal Perera to thank for it. This is a really good catch, considering how big the deflection was. Flat length ball outside off, Woakes hops back to cut and gets a healthy outside edge. Perera does ever so well to hang onto it. This is getting really tasty now. Woakes c Kusal Perera b Dhananjaya de Silva 2(4)

cricman: They should stop these singles or else England is going to win this as all players from England can bat.
pradeep-to-stokes-bfourb-cracking-ball-from-pradeep-but-he-has-to-watch-in-agony-as-stokess-outside-edge-runs-away-to-the-third-man-boundary-back-of-a-length-left-him-sharply-from-middle-and-off-to-square-him-up-in-defence-nevertheless-its-a-lovely-fifty-from-the-england-all-rounder

Pradeep to Stokes, FOUR, cracking ball from Pradeep, but he has to watch in agony as Stokes's outside edge runs away to the third man boundary. Back of a length, left him sharply from middle and off to square him up in defence. Nevertheless, it's a lovely fifty from the England all-rounder

dhananjaya-de-silva-to-moeen-ali-boutb-caught-by-udana-the-timing-isnt-there-this-time-hes-got-this-more-towards-the-bottom-half-and-udana-gets-around-at-long-off-for-a-really-calm-catch-at-the-boundary-showed-great-composure-nicely-flighted-ball-outside-off-ali-stepped-out-but-couldnt-get-hold-of-the-lofted-shot-the-line-which-was-pretty-wide-outside-off-worked-against-him-not-that-it-was-a-shot-that-was-needed-at-this-juncture-bmoeen-ali-c-udana-b-dhananjaya-de-silva-1620-6s-1b

Dhananjaya de Silva to Moeen Ali, out Caught by Udana!! The timing isn't there this time, he's got this more towards the bottom half and Udana gets around at long-off for a really calm catch at the boundary. Showed great composure. Nicely flighted ball outside off, Ali stepped out but couldn't get hold of the lofted shot. The line, which was pretty wide outside off, worked against him. Not that it was a shot that was needed at this juncture. Moeen Ali c Udana b Dhananjaya de Silva 16(20) [6s-1]

dhananjaya-de-silva-to-moeen-ali-bsixb-the-gift-of-timing-that-ali-possesses-in-full-view-brilliant-sweep-shot-off-a-ball-that-was-quite-full-to-be-dealt-with-such-disdain-hits-the-cushions-flush-at-deep-midwicket

Dhananjaya de Silva to Moeen Ali, SIX, the gift of timing that Ali possesses in full view. Brilliant sweep shot off a ball that was quite full to be dealt with such disdain. Hits the cushions flush at deep midwicket

cricbuzz-comm-box-match-27-england-v-sri-lanka-2nd-inn-over-no35

Cricbuzz Comm Box: Match 27, England v Sri Lanka, 2nd inn, Over No.35

Prashant Naik: Experience matters!! Mathews and Malinga delivering when it matters.
perera-to-stokes-bfourb-how-about-that-for-timing-its-an-innocuous-clip-off-the-hip-from-stokes-but-the-ball-has-absolutely-purred-off-this-outfield-beating-deep-midwickets-valiant-dive

Perera to Stokes, FOUR, how about that for timing! It's an innocuous clip off the hip from Stokes but the ball has absolutely purred off this outfield, beating deep midwicket's valiant dive

malinga-to-buttler-boutb-lbw-buttler-given-out-leg-before-hes-been-pinned-on-the-boot-by-a-malinga-special-the-yorker-and-looks-dead-in-front-ball-tracking-will-confirm-that-england-lose-the-review-but-more-importantly-they-lose-buttler-malinga-turning-back-the-clock-this-match-isnt-over-yet-bbuttler-lbw-b-malinga-109-4s-1b

Malinga to Buttler, out Lbw!! Buttler given out leg-before. He's been pinned on the boot by a Malinga special - the yorker, and looks dead in front. Ball-tracking will confirm that. England lose the review, but more importantly, they lose Buttler. Malinga turning back the clock. This match isn't over yet. Buttler lbw b Malinga 10(9) [4s-1]

malinga-to-buttler-bfourb-nicely-helps-the-pull-behind-square-malingas-short-ball-was-lacking-menace-allowing-buttler-to-play-with-control-even-off-the-front-foot

Malinga to Buttler, FOUR, nicely helps the pull behind square. Malinga's short ball was lacking menace, allowing Buttler to play with control - even off the front foot

Duke: "Do you guys pass our comments on to the field? When Mendis bowled, I had typed that Malinga should be back. Within a few seconds, I saw Malinga in action and look what he has done. SL is still in the fight.' ---- I'll tell you a secret, we're working on our telepathy skills.
perera-to-stokes-bfourb-frustrating-for-sri-lanka-as-this-outside-edge-runs-past-the-keeper-for-four-was-a-gentle-off-cutter-which-gripped-enough-to-draw-the-error-and-then-scooted-off-the-ground

Perera to Stokes, FOUR, frustrating for Sri Lanka as this outside edge runs past the keeper for four. Was a gentle off-cutter which gripped enough to draw the error and then scooted off the ground

malinga-to-root-boutb-caught-by-kusal-perera-seemed-like-there-was-a-sound-there-down-leg-from-malinga-root-chases-it-and-probably-snicks-it-nothing-from-the-umpire-though-sri-lanka-have-to-review-it-which-they-do-and-ultraedge-confirms-there-was-bat-involved-many-would-say-roots-unlucky-to-be-dismissed-in-this-fashion-but-arguably-sri-lanka-didnt-look-like-getting-him-out-in-many-other-ways-broot-c-kusal-perera-b-malinga-5789-4s-3b

Malinga to Root, out Caught by Kusal Perera!! Seemed like there was a sound there. Down leg from Malinga, Root chases it and probably snicks it. Nothing from the umpire though. Sri Lanka have to review it, which they do. And UltraEdge confirms there was bat involved. Many would say Root's unlucky to be dismissed in this fashion, but arguably Sri Lanka didn't look like getting him out in many other ways. Root c Kusal Perera b Malinga 57(89) [4s-3]

AnanKar: Root is doing a Williamson here. Respecting bowlers and hitting the loose balls for boundaries. If he sticks around, surely he would take his team home.
j-mendis-to-stokes-bsixb-off-the-back-foot-down-the-ground-another-instance-of-raw-force-this-one-was-a-long-hop-sat-up-off-the-pitch-and-stokes-pummelled-it-over-long-on

J Mendis to Stokes, SIX, off the back foot, down the ground, another instance of raw force. This one was a long-hop, sat up off the pitch and Stokes pummelled it over long-on

j-mendis-to-stokes-bsixb-thats-an-absolute-smash-down-the-ground-from-stokes-flat-hard-six-used-his-feet-superbly-and-then-his-hands-came-through-with-destructive-effect

J Mendis to Stokes, SIX, that's an absolute smash down the ground from Stokes. Flat, hard, six. Used his feet superbly, and then his hands came through with destructive effect

pradeep-to-stokes-bfourb-lovely-shot-stokes-moves-across-his-stumps-and-uses-the-round-the-wicket-angle-from-pradeep-to-flick-it-into-the-vast-vacant-spaces-on-the-leg-side-the-timing-was-good-enough-to-beat-the-deep-square-leg-fielder

Pradeep to Stokes, FOUR, lovely shot! Stokes moves across his stumps and uses the round the wicket angle from Pradeep to flick it into the vast vacant spaces on the leg-side, the timing was good enough to beat the deep square leg fielder

daddy-hundreds-separating-the-top-4-sides-from-rest-robin-uthappa

Daddy hundreds separating the top 4 sides from rest - Robin Uthappa

udana-to-stokes-bfourb-much-needed-boundary-for-england-it-also-wakes-the-crowd-from-their-slumber-short-and-angled-into-the-hips-stokes-swivels-and-pulls-it-backward-of-square-leg-bisecting-the-two-fielders-in-the-deep-to-perfection

Udana to Stokes, FOUR, much needed boundary for England. It also wakes the crowd from their slumber. Short and angled into the hips, Stokes swivels and pulls it backward of square leg, bisecting the two fielders in the deep to perfection

Harsha Bhogle: Good to see Sri Lanka making a fight out of a 230 game. Still think a 260-270 game is the best ODI. The bowlers should have a chance and the best batsmen should find a way to get there.
Harsha Bhogle: Good to see Sri Lanka making a fight out of a 230 game. Still think a 260-270 game is the best ODI. The bowlers should have a chance and the best batsmen should find a way to get there.
udana-to-morgan-boutb-caughtbowled-wow-both-morgan-and-udana-cant-believe-that-the-catch-has-been-taken-a-much-needed-breakthrough-for-sri-lanka-it-was-a-friendly-full-toss-which-morgan-wanted-to-blast-past-the-bowler-but-the-bat-turns-on-impact-and-he-doesnt-time-it-as-well-as-he-would-have-liked-the-ball-still-goes-quickly-to-the-right-of-udana-who-reacts-and-sticks-both-his-hands-out-the-ball-gets-stuck-and-he-then-shows-it-around-for-his-team-mates-bmorgan-c-and-b-udana-2135-4s-2b

Udana to Morgan, out Caught&Bowled!! Wow! Both Morgan and Udana can't believe that the catch has been taken. A much needed breakthrough for Sri Lanka. It was a friendly full toss which Morgan wanted to blast past the bowler, but the bat turns on impact and he doesn't time it as well as he would have liked, the ball still goes quickly to the right of Udana who reacts and sticks both his hands out. The ball gets stuck and he then shows it around for his team mates. Morgan c and b Udana 21(35) [4s-2]

udana-to-root-bfourb-udana-has-strayed-twice-in-the-over-and-both-times-has-been-put-away-this-was-not-as-bad-as-the-first-boundary-root-picked-the-full-delivery-from-off-and-middle-and-flicked-it-elegantly-through-mid-wicket-karunaratne-gives-chase-from-mid-on-but-he-comes-second-to-roots-timing

Udana to Root, FOUR, Udana has strayed twice in the over and both times has been put away. This was not as bad as the first boundary, Root picked the full delivery from off and middle and flicked it elegantly through mid-wicket, Karunaratne gives chase from mid-on but he comes second to Root's timing

udana-to-morgan-bfourb-loses-his-line-and-pays-the-price-that-would-have-been-a-good-ball-for-the-right-hander-but-not-to-morgan-straying-on-the-hips-morgan-stays-inside-the-line-and-helps-it-along-the-way-to-the-fine-leg-fence

Udana to Morgan, FOUR, loses his line and pays the price. That would have been a good ball for the right hander but not to Morgan. Straying on the hips, Morgan stays inside the line and helps it along the way to the fine leg fence

cricbuzz-comm-box-match-27-england-v-sri-lanka-2nd-inn-over-no15

Cricbuzz Comm Box: Match 27, England v Sri Lanka, 2nd inn, Over No.15

Yusuf: Not England, it's Sri Lanka who should treat this as a 35-over game and bowl out their best bowlers. No point in taking the game deep with this English line up.
Ganesh: This is going to be a close chase. Thisara and Udana are going to be crucial for SL. If the all rounders can click, then we could have an exciting match on our cards.
jofra-archers-performances-have-lived-up-to-the-pre-tournament-hype-robin-uthappa

Jofra Archer's performances have lived up to the pre-tournament hype - Robin Uthappa

Om: I read a comment earlier saying that overs should be restricted to 35 for England. Well, I think chasing small totals can be a tricky challenge, and it is evident that this is going to be an interesting chase.
malinga-to-root-bfourb-off-drive-the-crowd-goes-roooottt-this-guy-is-such-a-treat-to-watch-when-he-gets-going-full-delivery-outside-off-stump-root-nicely-leans-into-the-shot-and-sends-it-to-the-fence-past-mid-off

Malinga to Root, FOUR, off-drive, the crowd goes "Roooottt." This guy is such a treat to watch when he gets going. Full delivery outside off stump, Root nicely leans into the shot and sends it to the fence past mid-off

malinga-to-morgan-bfourb-overpitched-delivery-outside-off-stump-morgan-leans-forward-and-drives-along-the-ground-through-cover-in-the-gap-and-morgan-opens-his-account

Malinga to Morgan, FOUR, overpitched delivery outside off stump, Morgan leans forward and drives along the ground through cover, in the gap and Morgan opens his account

malinga-to-james-vince-boutb-caught-by-kusal-mendis-edged-and-thats-a-lovely-grab-at-second-slip-vince-wanted-to-drive-hard-at-this-length-delivery-that-moved-away-got-a-thick-edge-the-man-at-slip-was-wide-he-dived-to-his-right-and-caught-it-with-both-hands-the-ball-definitely-was-travelling-malinga-keeping-sri-lanka-in-the-game-needs-more-responsible-hands-though-bjames-vince-c-kusal-mendis-b-malinga-1418-4s-2b

Malinga to James Vince, out Caught by Kusal Mendis!! Edged and that's a lovely grab at second slip. Vince wanted to drive hard at this length delivery that moved away, got a thick edge, the man at slip was wide. He dived to his right and caught it with both hands. The ball definitely was travelling. Malinga keeping Sri Lanka in the game. Needs more responsible hands though. James Vince c Kusal Mendis b Malinga 14(18) [4s-2]

malinga-to-james-vince-boutb-caught-by-kusal-mendis-edged-and-thats-a-lovely-grab-at-second-slip-vince-wanted-to-drive-hard-at-this-length-delivery-that-moved-away-got-a-thick-edge-the-man-at-slip-was-wide-he-dived-to-his-right-and-caught-it-with-both-hands-the-ball-definitely-was-travelling-malinga-keeping-sri-lanka-in-the-game-needs-more-responsible-hands-though-bjames-vince-c-kusal-mendis-b-malinga-1418-4s-2b

Malinga to James Vince, out Caught by Kusal Mendis!! Edged and that's a lovely grab at second slip. Vince wanted to drive hard at this length delivery that moved away, got a thick edge, the man at slip was wide. He dived to his right and caught it with both hands. The ball definitely was travelling. Malinga keeping Sri Lanka in the game. Needs more responsible hands though. James Vince c Kusal Mendis b Malinga 14(18) [4s-2]

malinga-to-james-vince-bfourb-and-again-this-time-its-more-crisp-malinga-slips-it-full-on-the-pads-and-vince-just-dismisses-it-off-his-presence-with-a-lovely-flick-through-mid-wicket

Malinga to James Vince, FOUR, and again! This time it's more crisp. Malinga slips it full on the pads and Vince just dismisses it off his presence with a lovely flick through mid-wicket

malinga-to-james-vince-bfourb-overpitches-and-gets-smashed-away-for-a-glorious-boundary-from-vince-off-the-front-foot-still-head-and-lets-his-hands-take-over-as-he-places-it-wide-of-mid-off

Malinga to James Vince, FOUR, overpitches and gets smashed away for a glorious boundary from Vince. Off the front foot, still head and lets his hands take over as he places it wide of mid-off

khal: Tailor-made situation for Root. All he needs to do is be himself.
Vish: This is a fiery start by the Lankan pacers. Couple more wickets will put England in a bit of trouble.
pradeep-to-root-bfourb-nicely-placed-back-foot-drive-through-point-any-width-to-this-guy-on-a-surface-that-is-not-helping-lateral-movement-is-going-to-be-tough-for-the-bowler-easily-timed-the-ball-and-hit-it-along-the-ground

Pradeep to Root, FOUR, nicely placed back foot drive through point, any width to this guy on a surface that is not helping lateral movement is going to be tough for the bowler. Easily timed the ball and hit it along the ground

Divyesh Kanabar: "Can Sri Lanka repeat what they did against Afghanistan? They need a miracle and Malinga has put his hand up already." ---- I don't think Eoin Morgan and co will be happy seeing your (unintentional) comparison of England with Afghanistan.
malinga-to-bairstow-boutb-lbw-oh-this-looks-good-huuugee-lbw-shout-and-the-finger-goes-up-after-a-long-thought-perfect-start-for-sri-lanka-bsecond-golden-duck-of-the-tournamentb-frustration-for-bairstow-as-he-walks-back-slamming-the-bat-on-the-ground-this-was-a-very-straight-length-ball-from-malinga-bairstow-missed-the-flick-impact-was-in-line-with-leg-stump-and-because-of-malingas-angle-the-ball-generally-doesnt-slide-down-unless-he-swings-the-ball-umpire-paul-wilson-pondered-for-a-long-time-and-gave-that-out-bairstow-reviewed-that-and-hawkeye-showed-ball-kissing-leg-stump-umpires-call-stood-bbairstow-lbw-b-malinga-01b

Malinga to Bairstow, out Lbw!! Oh this looks good! Huuugee LBW shout and the finger goes up after a long thought. Perfect start for Sri Lanka. Second golden duck of the tournament. Frustration for Bairstow as he walks back slamming the bat on the ground. This was a very straight length ball from Malinga, Bairstow missed the flick, impact was in line with leg stump and because of Malinga's angle the ball generally doesn't slide down unless he swings the ball. Umpire Paul Wilson pondered for a long time and gave that out. Bairstow reviewed that and HawkEye showed ball kissing leg stump - umpire's call stood. Bairstow lbw b Malinga 0(1)

cricbuzz-live-match-27-england-v-sri-lanka-mid-innings-show

Cricbuzz LIVE: Match 27, England v Sri Lanka, Mid-innings show

nick: England should be allowed to chase this target in 35 overs to gain some interest in this match.
jofra-archer-to-mathews-bsixb-gets-one-in-the-slot-and-mathews-launches-it-for-a-i75-metre-maximumi-over-mid-wicket

Jofra Archer to Mathews, SIX, gets one in the slot and Mathews launches it for a 75-metre maximum over mid-wicket

mark-wood-to-malinga-boutb-bowled-malingas-leg-stump-goes-out-for-a-walk-he-gets-a-dose-of-his-own-medicine-i148ksi-fierce-yorker-from-wood-and-too-good-to-get-under-malinga-triesshuffles-and-still-tries-only-to-see-a-helpless-leg-stump-lying-flat-on-the-ground-bmalinga-b-mark-wood-15b

Mark Wood to Malinga, out Bowled!! Malinga's leg stump goes out for a walk. He gets a dose of his own medicine. 148ks fierce yorker from Wood and too good to get under, Malinga tries...shuffles and still tries, only to see a helpless leg stump lying flat on the ground. Malinga b Mark Wood 1(5)

mark-wood-to-malinga-boutb-bowled-malingas-leg-stump-goes-out-for-a-walk-he-gets-a-dose-of-his-own-medicine-i148ksi-fierce-yorker-from-wood-and-too-good-to-get-under-malinga-triesshuffles-and-still-tries-only-to-see-a-helpless-leg-stump-lying-flat-on-the-ground-bmalinga-b-mark-wood-15b

Mark Wood to Malinga, out Bowled!! Malinga's leg stump goes out for a walk. He gets a dose of his own medicine. 148ks fierce yorker from Wood and too good to get under, Malinga tries...shuffles and still tries, only to see a helpless leg stump lying flat on the ground. Malinga b Mark Wood 1(5)

jofra-archer-to-mathews-bfourb-bumper-on-the-stumps-mathews-picks-it-early-and-lifs-it-deftly-over-the-keepers-head-with-a-touch-of-elegance

Jofra Archer to Mathews, FOUR, bumper on the stumps, Mathews picks it early and lifs it deftly over the keeper's head with a touch of elegance

mark-wood-to-mathews-bfourb-slips-out-a-high-full-toss-outside-off-mathews-opens-the-face-of-the-bat-and-sends-it-racing-to-the-square-third-man-fence-in-a-jiffy

Mark Wood to Mathews, FOUR, slips out a high full toss outside off, Mathews opens the face of the bat and sends it racing to the square third man fence in a jiffy

mark-wood-to-udana-boutb-caught-by-root-easy-peasy-for-joe-root-takes-his-second-catch-of-the-game-wood-bowls-it-short-and-cramps-the-batsman-for-room-udana-still-tries-to-go-for-the-pull-and-his-miscue-could-only-travel-as-far-as-mid-on-budana-c-root-b-mark-wood-64-4s-1b

Mark Wood to Udana, out Caught by Root!! Easy peasy for Joe Root, takes his second catch of the game. Wood bowls it short and cramps the batsman for room, Udana still tries to go for the pull and his miscue could only travel as far as mid-on. Udana c Root b Mark Wood 6(4) [4s-1]

mark-wood-to-udana-bfourb-i137ksi-short-outside-off-udana-gives-it-all-on-the-slog-and-manages-to-slice-it-away-over-point-wide-of-third-man

Mark Wood to Udana, FOUR, 137ks short outside off, Udana gives it all on the slog and manages to slice it away over point wide of third man

jofra-archer-to-perera-boutb-caught-by-adil-rashid-excellent-catch-from-adil-rashid-at-square-third-man-jofra-tests-thisara-with-yet-another-short-ball-and-this-time-the-latter-ramps-it-high-into-the-air-to-the-right-of-the-third-man-adil-rashid-seemed-to-have-misjudged-it-momentarily-but-holds-his-nerve-and-times-his-forward-dive-to-perfection-to-cling-onto-a-fine-catch-bperera-c-adil-rashid-b-jofra-archer-26b

Jofra Archer to Perera, out Caught by Adil Rashid!! Excellent catch from Adil Rashid at square third man. Jofra tests Thisara with yet another short ball and this time the latter ramps it high into the air to the right of the third man. Adil Rashid seemed to have misjudged it momentarily but holds his nerve and times his forward dive to perfection to cling onto a fine catch. Perera c Adil Rashid b Jofra Archer 2(6)

DeeJay: "When will Sri Lanka start to slog and shift gears? What are they waiting for?" ---- Seems like a million dollar question because there doesn't seem to be a logical reasoning for this approach, that's for sure.
jofra-archer-to-dhananjaya-de-silva-boutb-caught-by-root-terrific-catch-from-joe-root-at-mid-on-leapt-full-length-to-his-left-and-plucked-it-reverse-cup-out-of-the-air-both-hands-dhananjaya-looks-to-force-the-pace-on-this-slower-delivery-but-hes-ended-up-dragging-it-off-the-toe-end-the-bat-face-turned-in-his-hands-too-bdhananjaya-de-silva-c-root-b-jofra-archer-2947-4s-1b

Jofra Archer to Dhananjaya de Silva, out Caught by Root!! Terrific catch from Joe Root at mid-on. Leapt full length to his left and plucked it (reverse cup) out of the air both hands. Dhananjaya looks to force the pace on this slower delivery but he's ended up dragging it off the toe end; the bat face turned in his hands too. Dhananjaya de Silva c Root b Jofra Archer 29(47) [4s-1]

root-to-mathews-bfourb-bowls-a-filth-down-the-leg-side-and-thats-been-handled-well-by-mathews-swivels-quickly-and-helps-the-ball-on-its-way-to-the-fine-leg-fence-bfifty-for-angelo-mathews-a-much-needed-knock-for-himb

Root to Mathews, FOUR, bowls a filth down the leg-side and that's been handled well by Mathews. Swivels quickly and helps the ball on its way to the fine leg fence. Fifty for Angelo Mathews, a much needed knock for him

Ankush Jolly: I think the Sri Lankan team really needs mentoring from their past greats like Sangakkara and Jayawardene. This team requires a major overhaul.
jhonny: Don't think anything below 330 is going to challenge this England batting line up, with the bowling Sri lanka have.
cricbuzz-comm-box-match-27-england-v-sri-lanka-1st-inn-over-no35

Cricbuzz Comm Box: Match 27, England v Sri Lanka, 1st inn, Over No.35

adil-rashid-to-j-mendis-boutb-caughtbowled-btwo-in-two-for-adil-rashidb-he-hasnt-been-at-his-best-in-the-world-cup-but-he-is-turning-things-around-now-he-is-on-a-hat-trick-it-was-a-nicely-tossed-up-delivery-on-a-fuller-length-nothing-special-with-the-delivery-but-mendis-just-chips-it-straight-back-to-adil-rashid-who-takes-an-absolute-dolly-bj-mendis-c-and-b-adil-rashid-01b

Adil Rashid to J Mendis, out Caught&Bowled!! Two in two for Adil Rashid! He hasn't been at his best in the World Cup but he is turning things around now. He is on a hat-trick. It was a nicely tossed up delivery on a fuller length, nothing special with the delivery. But Mendis just chips it straight back to Adil Rashid who takes an absolute dolly. J Mendis c and b Adil Rashid 0(1)

adil-rashid-to-kusal-mendis-boutb-caught-by-morgan-gee-thats-a-beauty-from-morgan-england-are-making-it-a-habit-of-taking-some-excellent-catches-in-this-world-cup-it-was-well-flighted-and-was-a-wrong-un-kusal-mendis-probably-picked-it-up-as-he-was-looking-to-hit-to-the-on-side-but-he-had-to-fetch-the-sweep-and-he-could-not-find-the-middle-it-went-wide-of-morgan-at-mid-wicket-who-dived-to-his-left-and-takes-a-fabulous-catch-he-throws-the-ball-after-snaffling-the-catch-in-full-swagger-too-bkusal-mendis-c-morgan-b-adil-rashid-4668-4s-2b

Adil Rashid to Kusal Mendis, out Caught by Morgan!! Gee! That's a beauty from Morgan. England are making it a habit of taking some excellent catches in this World Cup. It was well flighted and was a wrong-un, Kusal Mendis probably picked it up as he was looking to hit to the on-side. But he had to fetch the sweep and he could not find the middle. It went wide of Morgan at mid-wicket who dived to his left and takes a fabulous catch. He throws the ball after snaffling the catch in full swagger too. Kusal Mendis c Morgan b Adil Rashid 46(68) [4s-2]

adil-rashid-to-mathews-bfourb-hint-of-risk-involved-in-the-shot-as-it-was-on-a-fuller-length-but-mathews-executed-the-sweep-well-and-he-finds-the-gap-backward-of-square-leg-welcome-boundary-for-sri-lanka

Adil Rashid to Mathews, FOUR, hint of risk involved in the shot as it was on a fuller length. But Mathews executed the sweep well and he finds the gap backward of square leg. Welcome boundary for Sri Lanka

hitting-big-sixes-has-become-the-name-of-the-game-robin-uthappa

Hitting big sixes has become the name of the game - Robin Uthappa

adil-rashid-to-mathews-bfourb-much-needed-boundary-for-mathews-this-might-give-him-some-confidence-it-was-well-toss-up-and-was-on-the-stumps-mathews-clears-his-leg-and-lofts-it-over-mid-on-he-doesnt-time-it-as-well-as-he-would-have-liked-but-put-enough-power-behind-it-to-clear-the-man

Adil Rashid to Mathews, FOUR, much-needed boundary for Mathews. This might give him some confidence. It was well toss up and was on the stumps, Mathews clears his leg and lofts it over mid-on. He doesn't time it as well as he would have liked but put enough power behind it to clear the man

Prakash: Angelo Mathews has become a liability to the team. They should think of a better choice.
stokes-to-kusal-mendis-bfourb-thats-a-terrible-delivery-from-stokes-he-knows-that-it-deserved-to-be-punished-and-kusal-mendis-did-exactly-that-it-was-a-full-toss-and-was-wide-of-off-kusal-mendis-transfers-his-weight-forward-and-drives-it-wide-of-mid-off-no-need-to-run-for-that

Stokes to Kusal Mendis, FOUR, that's a terrible delivery from Stokes. He knows that. It deserved to be punished and Kusal Mendis did exactly that. It was a full-toss and was wide of off, Kusal Mendis transfers his weight forward and drives it wide of mid-off. No need to run for that

stokes-to-kusal-mendis-bfourb-bclubbedb-too-full-from-stokes-and-mendis-takes-full-toll-with-a-fiery-drive-uppish-but-well-wide-of-short-extra-cover-and-to-the-left-of-mid-off-as-well-went-like-a-bullet-to-the-fence

Stokes to Kusal Mendis, FOUR, clubbed! Too full from Stokes and Mendis takes full toll with a fiery drive. Uppish but well wide of short extra cover and to the left of mid-off as well. Went like a bullet to the fence

cricbuzz-comm-box-match-27-england-v-sri-lanka-1st-inn-over-no15

Cricbuzz Comm Box: Match 27, England v Sri Lanka, 1st inn, Over No.15

mark-wood-to-avishka-fernando-boutb-caught-by-adil-rashid-bwhat-a-brain-fade-strokeb-a-dismissal-that-sums-up-sri-lankas-batting-woes-in-recent-years-fernando-was-set-stroking-them-so-ominously-and-then-he-does-this-was-a-well-directed-short-ball-from-wood-cramped-the-batsman-and-fernando-just-ended-up-attempting-the-ramp-never-a-great-idea-when-you-arent-having-room-and-all-he-managed-was-to-lob-it-up-towards-third-man-as-nasser-hussain-said-on-air-he-would-have-been-better-served-if-he-had-gone-hard-on-the-cut-waste-of-a-wicket-bavishka-fernando-c-adil-rashid-b-mark-wood-4939-4s-6-6s-2b

Mark Wood to Avishka Fernando, out Caught by Adil Rashid!! What a brain fade stroke! A dismissal that sums up Sri Lanka's batting woes in recent years. Fernando was set, stroking them so ominously and then, he does this. Was a well-directed short ball from Wood, cramped the batsman and Fernando just ended up attempting the ramp. Never a great idea when you aren't having room and all he managed was to lob it up towards third man. As Nasser Hussain said on air, he would have been better served if he had gone hard on the cut. Waste of a wicket. Avishka Fernando c Adil Rashid b Mark Wood 49(39) [4s-6 6s-2]

Shahbaz Khan: "Avishka you beauty, don't know why you were not playing."
mark-wood-to-avishka-fernando-bfourb-boff-the-edge-but-no-slips-in-placeb-fernando-will-argue-that-this-was-intentional-he-certainly-did-open-the-bat-face-as-well-but-clearly-got-rushed-by-woods-pace-ended-up-getting-a-healthy-nick-that-went-finer-than-intended-and-with-nobody-in-slips-it-races-away-down-to-the-third-man-fence

Mark Wood to Avishka Fernando, FOUR, off the edge but no slips in place! Fernando will argue that this was intentional, he certainly did open the bat face as well but clearly got rushed by Wood's pace. Ended up getting a healthy nick that went finer than intended and with nobody in slips, it races away down to the third man fence

Ganesh Katigar: "Good to see counter attack from Avishka Fernando."
sri-lanka-need-angelo-mathews-experience-now-more-than-ever-robin-uthappa

Sri Lanka need Angelo Mathews' experience now more than ever - Robin Uthappa

jofra-archer-to-avishka-fernando-bsixb-boh-my-word-whatta-hitb-hes-striking-them-in-such-a-glorious-manner-this-was-a-proper-short-ball-and-probably-quicker-than-what-archer-has-been-today-fernando-just-swivels-across-for-the-pull-and-connects-really-well-makes-full-use-of-the-pace-on-offer-and-its-another-huge-hit-into-the-crowd-at-long-leg

Jofra Archer to Avishka Fernando, SIX, oh my word, whatta hit! He's striking them in such a glorious manner! This was a proper short ball and probably quicker than what Archer has been today, Fernando just swivels across for the pull and connects really well. Makes full use of the pace on offer and it's another huge hit into the crowd at long leg

jofra-archer-to-avishka-fernando-bfourb-hammered-over-mid-wicket-fernando-continues-to-delight-short-of-a-length-and-he-sits-back-to-launch-the-pull-by-standing-tall-i-must-say-that-archer-hasnt-bowled-that-fast-today-seems-to-be-bowling-within-himself-for-some-reason

Jofra Archer to Avishka Fernando, FOUR, hammered over mid-wicket! Fernando continues to delight. Short of a length and he sits back to launch the pull by standing tall. I must say that Archer hasn't bowled that fast today, seems to be bowling within himself for some reason

Aniket: "Avishka Fernando - Remember the name."
woakes-to-avishka-fernando-bfourb-has-got-hold-of-this-one-slightly-short-and-fernando-quickly-stands-tall-to-pull-this-over-square-leg-emphasis-was-on-clearing-the-infield-and-he-did-that-quite-easily-hes-providing-the-much-needed-impetus-to-this-innings-with-some-fluid-strokeplay

Woakes to Avishka Fernando, FOUR, has got hold of this one! Slightly short and Fernando quickly stands tall to pull this over square leg. Emphasis was on clearing the infield and he did that quite easily. He's providing the much-needed impetus to this innings with some fluid strokeplay

woakes-to-avishka-fernando-bfourb-bfernando-is-in-the-mood-alrightb-hes-putting-on-an-exhibition-fuller-and-around-middle-he-leans-forward-and-exhibits-a-classic-straight-drive-pure-and-classy

Woakes to Avishka Fernando, FOUR, Fernando is in the mood alright! He's putting on an exhibition. Fuller and around middle, he leans forward and exhibits a classic straight drive. Pure and classy

Karthick: "Kusal Mendis needs to show the character and determination that he showed in CT 17 to get Sri Lanka to a decent total."
jofra-archer-to-avishka-fernando-bfourb-shot-of-the-game-so-far-wow-this-wasnt-a-half-volley-at-all-but-fernando-got-forward-and-on-top-of-the-bounce-nicely-to-punch-this-through-cover-sublimely-done-and-it-speeds-away-to-the-fence-in-no-time-fernando-showing-his-class-certainly-has-abundant-talent-but-can-he-convert-it-into-something-substantial

Jofra Archer to Avishka Fernando, FOUR, shot of the game so far! Wow! This wasn't a half volley at all but Fernando got forward and on top of the bounce nicely to punch this through cover. Sublimely done and it speeds away to the fence in no time. Fernando showing his class, certainly has abundant talent but can he convert it into something substantial?

jofra-archer-to-avishka-fernando-bsixb-bthats-into-the-top-tierb-another-short-ball-and-this-time-fernando-takes-it-on-with-the-swivel-pull-picked-the-length-early-and-dispatched-it-into-the-crowd-at-fine-leg-massive-hit

Jofra Archer to Avishka Fernando, SIX, that's into the top tier! Another short ball and this time Fernando takes it on with the swivel-pull. Picked the length early and dispatched it into the crowd at fine leg. Massive hit

jofra-archer-to-avishka-fernando-bsixb-bthats-into-the-top-tierb-another-short-ball-and-this-time-fernando-takes-it-on-with-the-swivel-pull-picked-the-length-early-and-dispatched-it-into-the-crowd-at-fine-leg-massive-hit

Jofra Archer to Avishka Fernando, SIX, that's into the top tier! Another short ball and this time Fernando takes it on with the swivel-pull. Picked the length early and dispatched it into the crowd at fine leg. Massive hit

jofra-archer-to-avishka-fernando-bfourb-bcrunchedb-what-a-reply-from-fernando-not-all-that-short-but-he-got-on-top-of-the-bounce-with-a-smashing-punch-on-the-up-through-cover-struck-it-so-sweetly

Jofra Archer to Avishka Fernando, FOUR, crunched! What a reply from Fernando! Not all that short but he got on top of the bounce with a smashing punch on the up through cover. Struck it so sweetly

Vikas: "Come on Sri Lanka, show some character."
Vikash Modi: "Ohhh godddd !! What a terrible start from SL. Two main batsmen down and I think it is getting over very quickly now."
woakes-to-kusal-perera-boutb-caught-by-moeen-ali-shocker-of-a-shot-from-perera-and-sri-lanka-have-been-dented-early-there-was-width-on-offer-guaranteed-but-he-just-went-for-a-flashy-cut-its-the-style-that-he-plays-with-but-having-lost-his-skipper-just-a-few-deliveries-ago-perera-could-have-shown-more-restraint-especially-as-the-openers-have-been-the-only-form-batsmen-for-sl-in-this-world-cup-instead-perera-goes-for-the-risky-slice-and-finds-moeen-at-third-man-perfectly-bkusal-perera-c-moeen-ali-b-woakes-26b

Woakes to Kusal Perera, out Caught by Moeen Ali!! Shocker of a shot from Perera and Sri Lanka have been dented early. There was width on offer, guaranteed, but he just went for a flashy cut. It's the style that he plays with but having lost his skipper just a few deliveries ago, Perera could have shown more restraint. Especially as the openers have been the only form batsmen for SL in this World Cup. Instead, Perera goes for the risky slice and finds Moeen at third man perfectly. Kusal Perera c Moeen Ali b Woakes 2(6)

jofra-archer-to-karunaratne-boutb-caught-by-buttler-bedged-and-takenb-this-is-a-massive-wicket-considering-the-kind-of-glue-karunaratne-is-to-this-fragile-sri-lankan-batting-line-up-archer-continues-to-deliver-for-england-this-was-the-away-dipper-from-a-good-length-moved-late-as-karunaratne-pushed-tentatively-at-it-only-manages-a-thick-edge-thats-comfortably-pouched-by-buttler-bkarunaratne-c-buttler-b-jofra-archer-18b

Jofra Archer to Karunaratne, out Caught by Buttler!! Edged and taken! This is a massive wicket, considering the kind of glue Karunaratne is to this fragile Sri Lankan batting line-up. Archer continues to deliver for England, this was the away-dipper from a good length, moved late as Karunaratne pushed tentatively at it. Only manages a thick edge that's comfortably pouched by Buttler. Karunaratne c Buttler b Jofra Archer 1(8)

cricbuzz-live-match-27-england-v-sri-lanka-pre-match-show

Cricbuzz LIVE: Match 27, England v Sri Lanka, Pre-match show

not-my-cup-of-tee
Not my cup of tee
How Moeen Ali, on the brink of 100 ODIs, fit into cricket without loving golf
Mohit Patel: "We have witnessed three consecutive changes at the top of the table in the last three days. Can England keep that tradition alive for the fourth day as well?" --They surely can.
world-cup-head-to-head-england-vs-sri-lanka
World Cup Head to Head: England vs Sri Lanka
While England dominated Sri Lanka in the earlier editions, the script stands upended since 2007
england-vs-sri-lanka-match-27-preview

England vs Sri Lanka, Match 27: Preview

Commentary not available for this match