Stokes sends nervy England into T20 World Cup semis

A disciplined unbeaten 42 from Ben Stokes has guided a nervy England into the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.

After Australia only narrowly defeated Afghanistan on Friday, England knew that a win in Sydney would be enough to book their spot in the last four.

For a large part of the match, England looked in control, restricting Sri Lanka to 141-8 from their 20 overs and putting on an opening stand of 75 in their reply.

However, England ended up limping over the line, needing the composure and game management of Stokes to ensure that they prevailed with two balls remaining.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka and Pathum Nissanka had suggested that they were ready to deny England and hand tournament hosts . . .