Three Lions mauled by two

Wellington, march 1

Lahiru Thirimanne and Kumar Sangakkara both scored centuries as Sri Lanka posted the highest successful run chase at Wellington Regional Stadium for a nine-wicket victory over England in their Pool A clash on Sunday.

Thirimanne, 139 not out, hit a six to win the game in style, while Sangakkara ended on 117 as the beaten finallists in the last two World Cups scored 312 for one in 47.2 overs off England's feeble bowling attack.

The previous highest successful run chase at the ground was the 254-4 achieved by South Africa against New Zealand in February 2012.

Prior to Sunday's match 300 had been surpassed just five times on the ground since it opened in 2000.

Sangakkara took 45 balls to reach his 50 and needed just another 25 balls to bring up his 23rd ODI century as he took control of the game for the final 20 overs, dominating the latter stages of the partnership with Thirimanne. Thirimanne had also combined in a century opening stand with Tillakaratne Dilshan (44). The loss did no favours for England's quarterfinal chances. They have just two points from four games and the best they can hope for is fourth place in Pool A, having lost to Australia and New Zealand as well.

England's final two matches are against Bangladesh and Afghanistan and they could still be knocked out in the pool phase if they lose either of those matches.

Joe Root anchored England's 309 for six with his fourth One-day International century after Moeen Ali and Ian Bell had put on a quick-fire 62-run opening partnership. The 24-year-old, who top-scored with 46 in England's humiliating eight-wicket loss at the same ground to New Zealand, produced his highest One-day score of 121 before he was trapped in front by Rangana Herath in the 47th over. He shared a 60-run partnership with captain Eoin Morgan (27) and a stand of 98 with James Taylor (25). — Reuters

Herath doubtful for Australia clash

Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath is doubtful for next weekend's clash against Australia after hurting his spinning hand while bowling against England. The left-arm spinner required four stitches on his left index finger after suffering the injury while attempting a difficult return catch from Jos Buttler in the penultimate over of England's innings. He left the field immediately with blood dripping from the wound.

Lakmal fined for beamer

Pacer Suranga Lakmal has been fined 30% of his match fee for bowling a beamer at Jos Buttler in Wellington.

Successful chases
Sri Lanka became the sixth side to chase down 300-plus in World Cups. Here’s the list of five chases before...

• Ireland 329/7  vs England, Bangalore, 2011
• Sri Lanka 313/7 vs Zimbabwe, New Plymouth, 1992
• Ireland 307/4 vs Netherlands, Kolkata, 2011
• Ireland 307/6 vs West Indies, Nelson, 2015
• England 301/9 vs West Indies, Bridgetown, 2007 

Youngest World Cup centurions for Sri Lanka and England

139 Lahiru Thirimanne's score, his highest in ODIs, and his fourth hundred in ODIs. He is also the youngest Sri Lankan — at 25 years and 174 days — to score a World Cup hundred

1 England batsman who’s scored a World Cup century when less than 25 years old — Joe Root. The previous youngest World Cup centurion for England was David Gower, who scored one at 26 years and 71 days, also against Sri Lanka, in 1983.

Quick Single

ECB chairman opens door to Pietersen return
Incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves has given Kevin Pietersen a glimmer of hope that he may yet be able to resurrect his England career. “The first thing he has to do if he wants to get back is start playing county cricket,” Graves said. “The selectors and the coaches are not going to pick him if he's not playing. It's as simple as that. I'll leave it at that.” — AFP