Credit: Twitter

Credit: Twitter

The Kusal Mendis-led Sri Lankan team registered its second consecutive victory in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 after defeating England by eight wickets. With this win, Sri Lanka completed its fifth consecutive triumph over the Three Lions in ODI World Cups.  The Lankan Lions started slowly with the ball as English openers registered a solid 45-run stand before batting started their downward slide.

Follow: ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Live Score

As Dawid Malan departed, England's collapse began as the Lankan bowlers started picking wickets at regular intervals. Over the next 40 runs, England lost four wickets with veteran star Angelo Mathews emerging as their talisman. Supporting Mathews,  Lahiru Kumara and  Kasun Rajitha, also chipped as England's struggles continued.

After a short partnership between Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali, Sri Lankan bowlers put their foot on the gas and bundled out England at a score of 156. Kumara emerged as the pick of the bowlers with a three-wicket haul while giving away just 35 runs. Sri Lanka continued this momentum in the second innings as well despite losing two early wickets.

After the dismissals of opener Kusal Perera and captain Kusal Mendis, it was Pathum Nissanka and breakout star Sadeera Samarawickrama, who carried the Lankans home. The duo stitched up a 131-run stand to give Sri Lanka a historic triumph and their second win of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.