T20 World Cup 2021: Match 29, England vs Sri Lanka – Who Said What

The 29^th match of the T20 World Cup 2021 saw action between England and Sri Lanka. While for England it was a mere formality to win the game and clinch the ticket for the semi-finals officially, it was a do-or-die contest for Dasun Shanaka and his men. However, England won the game gracefully by 26 runs to cruise through the next round. Winning the toss, Lankans invited the Englishmen to show with the willows first at Sharjah.

As soon as the batting game for England kicked off, Roy’s stay at the crease was cut short by in form Wanindu Hasaranga. However, the fairytale started unfolding for England when star batter Jos Buttler started opening his wings. He owned the night and match completely by smashing a stunning century (101* off 67) to push England post 163 runs on the board. Later, he was supported by skipper Eoin Morgan who chipped in with crucial 40 runs. Hasaranga named three wickets to his credit while Maheesh Theekshana refused to leak runs by conceding at an impressive 3.20.

England continue their winning streak against Lanka

As soon as Lankans began chasing down the target, batters failed to convert their start into big scores which was pretty much needed at the moment. The partnership between Shanaka (26) and Hasaranga (34 off 21) turned crucial and it felt for a moment that Lanka could take away this game. However, as soon as the spinner turned his back, Sri Lanka collapsed in no time. Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan, and Adil Rashid picked two wickets each to help England’s cause.

Losing skipper, Dasun Shanaka said:

The bowlers have been outstanding throughout the tournament in the first ten overs. The back end of the game has been a concern for us. This is the first WC for most players, when they gain experience, they’ll do a better job. We knew that dew will play a major factor in the second half. Losing wickets in regular intervals cost the game for us. Credit to Morgan and Buttler, they showed their experience. Six months back, were not the same team. We were out of the competition, but these boys have come a long way in this tournament. I am happy with the way the boys have been fighting.

Winning skipper, Eoin Morgan said:

I am incredibly proud of everything we have done tonight. The guys had to fight incredibly hard. Conditions here continued to change, Tymal going out asked another question of ourselves. But Livingstone and Moeen stepped up exceptionally well with the other guys. I can’t fault our guys tonight. I thought Jos Buttler played one off his best-ever innings in an England shirt. It was incredible to be at the other end and watch. He is one of the best in the game and it’s a privilege to have him in our team. All-round fielding effort was good. We are delighted with the four wins. Combination of unbelievable skill level and the calm nature in which he goes about it – he combines them along with reading the game. To see him in this form in the group stages bodes well for the latter stages. (On getting back to form) You always got to believe, I always do. Today was a tougher test. We were enjoying ourselves. Just to get a partnership going and put something on the board to defend.

Player of the match, said: Jos Buttler said:

 I think staying patient was the key (when England lost early wickets), but I managed to get a partnership with Morgan. I found it really tough early on in the innings. There was a point when we were thinking to get to the 120-run mark, but then we got going and got 160-plus. I use the same bat, even in the nets. It feels good. We were under pressure for a long part of that chase knowing that Moeen had to bowl that over (after Mills left the field due to injury) so to take that wicket (Shanaka’s run-out) was crucial and I was delighted with that. Was just trying to guess where he (Chameera) was going to bowl. I was pretty calm, I think at that stage I had batted for long, so staying patient was the key and hope he (Chameera) will miss his (length/ yorker).