With this defeat, the defending champions are now on the brink of a first-round exit from the World Cup.
Opting to bat first, the Three Lions were bundled out for a paltry 156 in 33.2 overs. It was a listless batting display from England as no one managed to hit a half-century. Ben Stokes was the top-scorer with 43.
Lahiru Kumara starred with the ball for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets by conceding 35 runs in his seven overs. Angelo Mathews (2/14 in five overs) and Kasun Rajitha (2/36 in seven overs) also bowled economically and returned with a couple of scalps.
In reply, the 1996 World Cup winners lost Kusal Perera (4) and Kusal Mendis (11) cheaply. However, the duo of Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama added an unbroken 137-run stand to take Sri Lanka over the line with 146 deliveries to spare.
While Nissanka Nissanka remained unbeaten on 77 off 83 balls, Sadeera finished with 65 not out in 54 balls.
It was England’s fourth defeat in five games of this World Cup and they are now on the brink of a first-round exit from the marquee event.
Cricket experts praised Sri Lanka for their clinical display while they expressed surprise over England’s miserable campaign.
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