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ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Sharjah England 163-4 (20 overs): Buttler 101* (67), Morgan 40 (36), Hasaranga 3-21 Sri Lanka 137 (19 overs): Hasaranga 34 (21), Moeen 2-15, Rashid 2-19 England won by 26 runs Scorecard
England were all but guaranteed their place in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup after Jos Buttler's spectacular century secured a thrilling 26-run victory over Sri Lanka.
After Buttler's 101 not out and Sri Lanka's 164, Sri Lanka needed only 34 of 20 balls to end England’s unbeaten start in the tournament.
England was still fighting the dew and Tymal Mills' injury. Jason Roy and Sam Billings made a great relay catch at the boundary to disqualify Wanindu Hasaranga for 34.
The Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shaka, who had put on 53 runs with Hasaranga was brilliantly run out in the next over by a Buttler straight hit.
As Sri Lanka was bowled out for 137 runs by Sharjah, the final three wickets were taken in seven balls.
It was England's fourth win in four games. This victory was more comforting than it looked at times in either innings.
Buttler saved an innings that was struggling at 35-3 and reached his maiden Twenty20 international 100 with a six from the last ball, as England posted 163-4.
They are still the top team in Group 1 and while Australia and South Africa may be able to join them on eight points it would take an unlikely swing of net run rate for either side to surpass them.
South Africa will face England in the final group match in Sharjah, Saturday.
Sensational Buttler stars for England
England cricket fans are used to seeing Buttler do amazing things in white-ball cricket. He scored 71 runs from 32 balls against Australia two days ago. But this should be remembered as one of his finest innings.
It displayed the perfect combination of absorbing pressure, finding rhythm, and then exploding with attack. This was a stark contrast to Saturday's brutal, carefree hitting.
Buttler only managed 35 runs after 38 balls. His fifty was reached in 45 deliveries. This was his slowest run in England's T20s.
He attacked like no one else in the world. In the 15th over, he hit two sixes, both of them over long-off to give life to an innings that was slipping at 47-3 at halftime.
Buttler shared 112 with captain Eoin Morgan, who made 40 out of 36 balls after overcoming his slow start.
Buttler managed six sixes in total, with the last one a full toss over square leg that took him to three figures.
He was the fourth man to reach a T20 100 for England, joining Heather Knight, the women's captain, as the only England players who have scored centuries in all three formats.
England passes the toughest test
England's World Cup form has been so impressive - they beat Australia, Bangladesh, and West Indies - that it was hard to believe they could have taken things too easily.
They were really tested in this game and they still won the game, eventually convincingly.
They were the first to bat first in the tournament. Despite Dawid Malan and Roy being bowled for nine runs each and Jonny Bairstow losing lbw to Hasaranga, buttler's brilliance helped them score an impressive score.
Some other teams, such as Australia against England or India against New Zealand in this tournament, have had slow starts and failed to pick up the pace. Buttler made sure England continued to buck that trend.
Sri Lanka was also forced to recover from 34-3, 76-5 and 76-5. However, Hasaranga's wet ball, especially, found it easy to cross boundaries.
Morgan's plans were thwarted when Mills was injured in his thigh during the 14th over.
Captain Liam Livingstone brought back Liam Livingstone for a crucial over. This decision was rewarded by the Hasaranga wicket. England's fielding stood firm when necessary to clarify the outcome.
"Exactly what we needed" - What they said
Eoin Morgan, England captain: "I'm incredibly proud of all we did tonight. These guys had to fight unbelievable amounts.
"Tymal went down asked us another question, but I thought Liam Livingstone was amazing and Moeen Ali did an unbelievable job supporting the other guys with their ball.
"We are delighted with this win, and Sri Lanka has pushed us further in this World Cup."
Moeen Ali, England's all-rounder, says on BBC Test Match Special that it was exactly what they needed. We had some problems with Tymal and the dew. It was another great victory and confidence booster.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shaka: "The back 10 runs have been a concern throughout the tournament, but many of the players are playing their first World Cup so the experience will be beneficial."
"Six months ago, we were not on the same side. We've come quite a ways since then. "I am very happy with how the boys have been fighting, and it will be really beneficial for us in future."
