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England fall short in thriller

England's two newest members of their one-day squad came within one shot of clinching a memorable victory over Sri Lanka after a dramatic finale to their Super Eight showdown.

Chasing Sri Lanka's 235 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, England looked on course for a comprehensive defeat having slumped to 133 for six after losing four wickets for 32 runs in only eight overs.

But a stunning 87-run stand spanning 15 overs between emerging Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara and veteran wicketkeeper Paul Nixon, who were both added to the one-day squad at late notice in Australia, put England on course for an amazing triumph.

But with seven balls remaining, 36-year-old Nixon fell to fast bowler Malinga and with 12 required from the last over, Bopara was bowled off the last ball from seamer Dilhara Fernando to earn Sri Lanka a two-run victory.

The heartbreaking defeat leaves England needing to win their remaining four matches of the Super Eight - including a showdown with world number one South Africa - to keep alive their hopes of reaching the last four for the first time since 1992.

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