England triumph fuels confidence

NEW DELHI, March 27, (Agencies): England will derive a great deal of confidence from their tense victory over Sri Lanka in Saturday’s crucial World Twenty20 contest, captain Eoin Morgan said.

“It gives us a great deal of confidence,” Morgan said.

“In (previous wins) we’ve had to show an immense amount of character ... today was completely different the way we were way ahead in the game when they were four-down early and then Angelo got them back into the game ...

“A significant improvement on the Afghanistan game. It’s nice to see it build, go from strength to strength and game by game”, said Morgan.

Meanwhile, England opener Jason Roy and fast bowler David Willey have been fined at the World Twenty20 after emotions spilled over during their win over Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Both players gave solid performances during England’s nailbiting 10-run victory over Sri Lanka in New Delhi to secure a place in the semifinals.

But Roy was fined 30 percent of his match fee for swearing and then throwing his bat and helmet upon leaving the field, after being given out lbw for 42 off 39 balls.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Sunday that Roy had shown “dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match”.

Willey, meanwhile, who took 2-26, was fined 15 percent of his fee after giving a colourful send-off to Milinda Siriwardana when the Sri Lankan was dismissed immediately after hitting the seamer for six.

The ICC said he breached the code of conduct for “actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction” from a batsman on their dismissal.

Both players admitted the offences during a meeting with match referee Jeff Crowe, the ICC said in a statement.

England are now likely to face New Zealand in a semi-final encounter in Delhi on Wednesday, with the West Indies having already qualified from their group.