England beat Sri Lanka
Published:Friday | September 25, 2009 | 5:49 PM
England, without the injured Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff, scored an upset six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their opening Champions Trophy match at the Wanderers in South Africa today.
Sri Lanka crushed South Africa on Tuesday to open the tournament, and their stunning follow-up defeat left Group ‘B’ wide open.
England, Sri Lanka and South Africa have one win each, while New Zealand are still a threat.
Only two teams from the group will proceed to the semifinals next week.
Sri Lanka, sent in to bat, recovered from 17 for four to 212 all out in the 48th over with Thilan Kandamby 53 and Angelo Mathews 52 scoring half centuries.
James Anderson and Stuart Broad were the most successful bowlers for England with three wickets apiece.
Set 213 to win, England reached the target in the 45th over with Eion Morgan unbeaten on 62.
The competition continues tomorrow with defending champions Australia against West Indies and India playing Pakistan.