Champions Trophy Betting: England decimate Sri Lanka top order

Odds/lines:

England vs Sri Lanka

September 25, 8AM ET

England +200
Sri Lanka –260

Against all odds, England has triumphed in their opening match of this year’s ICC Champions Trophy beating Sri Lanka by six wickets.

After promising so much with an opening win against South Africa, Sri Lanka fell into the trap of underestimating England in their second match and must now beat New Zealand and hope other results go their way to snare a semi-final spot.

England captain Andrew Strauss won the toss and sent Sri Lanka in on a juicy New Wanderers Stadium pitch in Johannesburg and his bowlers didn’t let him down.

Sri Lanka ’s strength has always been its top four batsmen, who when fire, are the deadliest top order in international cricket.

But when Tillakaratne Dilshan (2), Sanath Jayasuria (0), Kumar Sangakkara (1), and Mahela Jayawardene (9) are all back in the sheds to leave their team 4/17 off just 5.2 overs, Sri Lanka was always going to struggle.

James Anderson and Graham Onions used the conditions expertly while the fielders backed them up snatching some great catches.

The lower order settled the ship and went about posting 212 and batting out the full 50 overs with Angelo Matthews (52) and left hander Thilina Kandamby (53) the pick of the batsmen.

In reply, England marched steadily towards the total and despite a few heart palpitations, reached the total in 45 overs with Irishman Eoin Morgan (62no) the pick of the batsmen however he was ably supported by Owais Shah (44) and Paul Collingwood (46). Keeper Matt Prior also pitched in with 28 no out.

Morgan, who gave up on Ireland in favour of England, showed sublime touch and hitting prowess with seven boundaries in his total.

Lasith Malinga was unable to recreate his usual heroics finishing with 1/43 off nine overs while Muttiah Muralitharan, who was brought into the attack much later than he should have been, was punished finishing with 1/60 off his allotted overs.

The second match at New Wanderers should be enough for the remaining teams to realise that if you win the toss you had better bowl as there is some great sideways movement off the deck and a little hint of swing.

England will now have a rest until Sunday when they take on South Africa while Sri Lanka will battle with New Zealand on Saturday in a must win for the gritty Lankans.