England’s World Cup defense clings to a sliver of hope after a disheartening display against Sri Lanka. The eight-wicket defeat, accomplished in just 59 overs, emphasized the stark reality that this once formidable team, teeming with genuine greats, has depleted its reservoir of miracles. Despite being the eighth versus ninth match in the standings, England’s performance raised doubts about their ability to match the qualifying achievements of teams like West Indies, Zimbabwe, and Ireland.

England’s struggle commenced early, losing all ten wickets for 111 runs in 26 overs after a promising start at 44 for 0. Lahiru Kumara’s pace and Angelo Mathews’ guile tormented the English batsmen, revealing their vulnerability. In response, David Willey’s early breakthroughs hinted at a low-scoring contest, but Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama’s formidable partnership of 137 runs extinguished any such possibility.

Jos Buttler acknowledged his team’s shortfall in standards, and England’s desperation was evident even before the match began, with scars from their previous defeat visible. Buttler opted to bat first and presented a revamped lineup with three allrounders, aiming to unleash their natural attacking game. However, the anxiety within the team surfaced as early wickets fell during the powerplay.

Mathews, a familiar adversary for England, played a pivotal role, unsettling their top order. The run-out of Joe Root added to England’s woes, and Buttler’s struggles continued as he fell to a snick behind the stumps. The middle order collapsed, with Ben Stokes trying to hold the fort amid the chaos. However, the lack of support from the lower order signaled England’s race to the bottom.

Stokes, battling against the tide, showcased moments of aggression, but the continuous fall of wickets and the dismissals of Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes left England in disarray. Despite Willey’s late efforts, England was bundled out for 156, the lowest all-out total in men’s ODIs at the Chinnaswamy.

In the chase, Willey struck early, removing crucial wickets, but Sri Lanka’s batsmen, especially Nissanka, displayed resilience. England’s premier bowlers failed to provide the necessary breakthroughs, and Nissanka’s composed half-century ensured Sri Lanka’s comfortable victory with two points added to their qualification bid.

As England faces table-toppers India next, their World Cup defense hangs in the balance, while Sri Lanka, buoyed by the win, eyes a resurgence in the tournament.