The England cricket team dug deep to see off a tricky Sri Lankan side in their Super 12 group 1 match of the ICC men’s T20 World Cup on Monday night. Batting first, England lost three quick wickets early in their innings. However, a 112-run partnership between Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan made sure that England put up a competitive total. In reply, Sri Lanka were wrapped up for 137 in 19 overs.

“I am incredibly proud of everything we have done tonight,” England captain Eoin Morgan said during the post-match conference.

“Conditions here continued to change, Tymall going out asked another question of ourselves. But Livingstone and Moeen stepped up exceptionally well with the other guys. I can’t fault our guys,” Morgan added.

Talking about Jos Buttler’s innings, Morgan said: “I thought Jos Buttler played one off his best-ever innings in an England shirt. It was incredible to watch from the other end. He is one of the best in the game and it’s a privilege to have him. We are delighted with the four wins. Combination of skill level and the calm nature in which he goes about it – he combines them.”

“To see him in this form bodes well for the latter stages. (On getting back to form) You got to believe, I always do. Today was a tougher test. Just to get a partnership going and put something on the board to defend,” Morgan added.

Buttler was adjudged man of the match for his fantastic century.

“I think staying patient was the key (when England lost early wickets), but I managed to get a partnership with Morgan. I found it really tough early on in the innings. There was a point when we were thinking to get to the 120-run mark, but then we got going and got 160-plus,” Buttler said.

“I use the same bat, even in the nets. It feels good,” the right-handed added.