Buttler fifty powers England to 171-4 against Sri Lanka

NEW DELHI – Jos Buttler's blistering unbeaten 66 powered former champions England to a strong 171-4 against Sri Lanka in a crucial World Twenty20 Group One match at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday. Put in to bat in a contest key to the semi-final hopes of both sides, England lost Alex Hales in the second over before Jason Roy (42) and Joe Root (25) added 61 runs in 8.3 overs to steady the innings. Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay dismissed both batsmen but Buttler capitalised on the foundation, punishing the Sri Lankan bowlers with powerful hits to boost his team's chances of securing a victory that would earn them a semi-final place. England skipper Eoin Morgan made 22 before being run out while Ben Stokes made the most of the only ball he faced by hitting the final delivery of the innings from Thisara Perera for six. Sri Lanka must win the match to keep their title defence alive in the sixth edition of the tournament. –Reuters