England eye semi-final spot, SL seek survival

England captain Eoin Morgan

A rampaging England are expected to brush aside a struggling Sri Lanka and seal a spot in the semi-finals when the two teams meet in a Group 1 match of the T20 World Cup here today. Favourites England have played as per the expectations in their first three games, steamrolling their opponents, including arch-rivals Australia on Saturday night.

The Eoin Morgan-led side, which is heavily driven by data and match-ups, seem to have all bases covered and back up plans in place even though they have not needed one yet. England have sent out a loud statement to all the other teams with an eight-wicket rout of Australia, who too were looking a strong unit until their frailties were exposed.

Jos Buttler was simply unstoppable against Australia and that is another big positive for England going into the knock-out phase. Their big margin of victory in all three games has meant that their middle-order has not been tested but Morgan is confident they will deliver when the times comes. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will have to produce something special to halt England's juggernaut at Sharjah.

Considering their inexperience, Sri Lanka have not played too badly and the final over finish against South Africa could have gone either way. Unfortunately for them, it was their second loss in three games and they must win against England to keep themselves in the competition.

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