England played Srilankans in the 1st ICC World Twenty20 cup semi-finals at Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet - St Lucia. Srilanka won the toss & elected to bat first.
Mahela Jayawardena & Sanath Jayasuriya opened the batting innings for the Srilanka. After giving a grand start in the first over, in the very next delivery they lost their first wicket. In 25 deliveries they lost 3 important wickets which were Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardena & Tillakaratne Dilshan. This was a big blow for them, their run rate was very low which was less than 6.0 runs per over. Angelo Mathews was the only player who lasted for longer period & helped Srilanka to recover from the big blow. He scored 58 runs from 45 deliveries which in turn helped Srilanka to put up a decent total.
After 20 overs, Srilanka had put up a total of 128 runs loosing 6 wickets.Graeme Swann was the most economical bowler for England whose economy rate was 5 rpo & also took Sangakkara's wicket, other economical bowlers were Stuart Broad, Michael Yardy whose economy rates were 5.25 rpo.
This was an easy target for the England team, Craig Kieswetter & Michael Lumb were the openers. Both played a good knock of 39 runs from 29 deliveries & 33 runs from 26 deliveries respectively. After loosing 3 wickets, Kevin Pietersen & Eoin Morgan partnered up nicely & led the team to reach the target. Kevin Pietersen finished the match in a grand style by hitting a six & a four. He was unbeaten scoring 42 runs from 26 deliveries which included 3 fours & 2 sixes. In 16 overs, England scored 132 runs, thereby winning the match by 7 wickets.
Now England are into Finals. This is their 2nd Entry to ICC finals after the 2004 ICC champions trophy.
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