As per Cricbuzz Report,ENG vs SL, Cricket history is often filled with captivating encounters, and one recurring theme in the world of cricket is ENG vs SL. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore several memorable moments when England flexed their batting muscle to thrash the inexperienced Sri Lankan team.
ENG vs SL Matches
England, with its rich cricketing heritage, has often been a formidable force in international cricket. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, started its journey as a Test nation in the early ’80s and faced the challenge of adapting to the demands of international cricket. Let’s delve into some memorable encounters between these two teams.
June 11, 1983: England’s Batting Spectacle
In this World Cup match, England showcased their batting prowess. The openers, Fowler and Tavare, played cautiously, allowing David Gower to dazzle with an astonishing 130 off 120 balls, including five sixes. England amassed a mammoth 333/9, leaving Sri Lanka with a challenging task. Despite a fight from Duleep Mendis and Guy de Alwis, Sri Lanka succumbed to a 47-run defeat.
June 20, 1983: England’s Convincing Win
Just days after their first encounter, Eng vs sl faced off again in Leeds. Sri Lanka struggled early, falling to 54 for 6. England’s Graeme Fowler led the chase with an unbeaten 77-ball 81, guiding England to victory with nine wickets and 215 balls to spare.
October 17, 1987: Lamb’s Explosive Innings
In the 1987 Reliance World Cup, England batted first and posted a massive 296/4. Allan Lamb and John Emburey played explosive innings, setting a daunting target for Sri Lanka. Despite some resistance, Sri Lanka managed only 158/8, losing by a substantial margin of 109 runs.
October 30, 1987: England’s Resounding Victory
In another World Cup encounter in Pune, England’s openers, Gooch and Robinson, scored half-centuries. England chased down the target with eight wickets and 52 balls remaining, securing their second win over Sri Lanka in two weeks.
March 9, 1992: Lewis Shines with All-round Performance
England faced Sri Lanka in the 1992 Benson and Hedges World Cup. Ian Botham and Graeme Hick laid the foundation for England’s score, but it was Chris Lewis’s six-ball cameo that made the difference. Lewis also shone with the ball, skittling Sri Lanka’s top order. England won convincingly by a margin of 106 runs.
March 9, 1996: Jayasuriya’s Brilliance
In the 1996 Wills World Cup quarter-final, England faced Sri Lanka. While England posted 235/8, Sanath Jayasuriya’s aggressive innings of 82 set Sri Lanka on the path to victory. Sri Lanka’s eventual win marked a turning point in their World Cup journey.
May 14, 1999: England’s Strong Start
In the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup opener, England faced Sri Lanka at Lord’s. England restricted Sri Lanka to 204 all-out, thanks to a four-wicket haul by Mullaly. England, led by Alec Stewart and Graeme Hick, achieved victory, setting a positive tone for their campaign.
April 4, 2007: A Thrilling Encounter
The 2007 World Cup super eight encounter at North Sound was a nail-biter. Sri Lanka posted 235, and England fell short by just two runs in a thrilling contest. Ravi Bopara’s valiant effort couldn’t secure the win for England.
March 26, 2011: Sri Lanka’s Dominance
In the 2011 World Cup quarter-final, Sri Lanka dominated England. Sri Lanka’s spinners wreaked havoc, and England’s total of 229/6 was insufficient. Sri Lanka cruised to a victory with their openers, Dilshan and Tharanga, scoring centuries.
March 1, 2015: Sangakkara’s Brilliance
England posted a competitive score of 309/6 in the 2015 World Cup. However, Kumar Sangakkara and Lahiru Thirimanne’s partnership made the chase look easy as Sri Lanka achieved victory with almost three overs to spare.
June 21, 2019: Malinga’s Magical Spell
In the 2019 World Cup, Lasith Malinga’s exceptional bowling performance led Sri Lanka to a 20-run win against England. Despite England’s strong start, Malinga’s four-wicket haul caused a shocking loss for the English team.
England’s encounters with Sri Lanka in the world of cricket have produced thrilling moments, showcasing England’s batting strength and Sri Lanka’s rise in international cricket. These matches have left an indelible mark on cricket history.