Morgan hails Buttler as England beat Sri Lanka to all but seal semi-final place

Eoin Morgan described Jos Buttler’s incredible century as ‘one of hisbest ever innings’ as England beat Sri Lanka by 26 runs to put themselves within touching distance of the T20 World Cup semi-finals.

Buttler once again stole the show with a sublime batting performance to put England in the driving seat, reaching a ton with a six from the final ball as Sri Lanka were set an imposing target of 164 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Making 101 not out in the thrilling Group 1 encounter, the wicket-keeper-batsman became the first men’s player to score a century for England in all three formats of the game.

The Lions got off to the worst possible start as they attempted to chase down England’s total, with Pathum Nissanka run out midway through the first over of their innings.

Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga launched a spirited fightback with scores of 26 and 34 to take Sri Lanka from 76-5 to 129-5, but the latter’s dismissal triggered a collapse and sent England on their way to victory.

The result made Morgan the most successful captain in T20Is and ensured England maintained their 100 per cent record in the tournament ahead of their final group-stage match versus South Africa on Saturday.

Tymal Mills hobbled off with a muscle injury to put a slight dampener on the occasion and England will hope the pace bowler makes a speedy recovery to play a part in the remainder of the campaign.

‘I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve done tonight. I thought the guys had to fight unbelievably hard, particularly with the ball and in the first ten overs with the bat,’ England captain Morgan told Sky Sports.

‘The conditions did continue to change and obviously Tymal going down asked another question of ourselves.

‘But I thought Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali stepped up unbelievably well to support the other guys with the ball. I can’t fault our guys tonight. We thought it was challenging for the top of the order.

‘I thought Jos Buttler played one of his best ever innings in an England shirt. It was incredible to be at the other end and watch the ebb and flow and just sheer determination towards the end.

‘He really is one of the best in the game, a privilege to play with and great to have on our team.’

Asked what makes Buttler so special, Morgan added: ‘I think it’s a combination of unbelievable skill level and the calm nature in which he goes about it.

‘He combines them along with reading the game and knowing where and when to score.

‘If he manages to get on top he will punish you so to see him in this sort of form in the group stage only bodes well for the latter stages.’

More to follow.

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