The defending champions England have looked like a pale shadow of themselves in World Cup 2023. The white-ball revolutionists are struggling in every department of the game. Their batting let them down again as Sri Lanka bowled them out for 156 in 33.2 overs which is their third-lowest World Cup score in this century.
On a batting paradise of a wicket, despite a decent start from openers, England suffered a batting collapse. Apart from Ben Stokes, no batter could make an impact as they posted a non-threatening total on the board.
Cricket fans took to the social media platform, formerly known as Twitter to troll the Jos Buttler-led side.
Lahiru Kumara was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. Returning to the fold after a few months, Angelo Matthews was exceptional as he picked up two key wickets. Kasun Rajitha picked up two wickets as well whereas Maheesh Theekshana wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Mark Wood.
With just one win from four games and a poor net run rate (NRR), they were placed eighth on the points table. If they lose to Sri Lanka, they are expected to slip one more position. It will also mean that their chances of making it to the top four are slim to none.
England's 156 is also the lowest all-out total at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The previous record belonged to India when they were bowled out for 168 by Pakistan in 1999.
“The boys set the tone. The bowlers were brilliant. Wicket was a bit on the slower side, and we bowled well and the fielding was brilliant. We knew that we had to back our bowlers in the field today,” Sri Lanka all-rounder Mathews told the broadcasters during the innings break.
He was also asked about his return and the amount of cricket he has played of late to which he replied, “I challenge myself, worked very hard in the last 1-2 months, preparing myself just in case I got called up. Not too much, it is raining a lot in Sri Lanka but I have been preparing myself mentally for this.”
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