Jos Buttler wrapped up his maiden international Twenty20 century with a six off the last ball of England’s innings before playing his part in the field to help clinch a 26-run World Cup win over Sri Lanka on Monday.
Buttler’s 101 came off 67 balls and included four sixes and boundaries, leading England to a score of 163 for 4.
Eoin Morgan had come in with England reeling on 35 for 3, but the captain helped steer his side to victory by sharing a 112-run fourth-wicket partnership with Buttler before falling on 40 – Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva with his third wicket of the match.
Sri Lanka made a similar start to their innings – 34 for 3 after 5.1 overs – but a team-high 34 for de Silva and knocks of 26 for both captain Dasun Shanaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa kept them in the hunt.
The last five wickets fell for just eight runs though and Sri Lanka was beaten for a third time in four games in Group 1, while England made it four wins from as many games to consolidate the top spot in the standings.
