Sri Lanka thrash England

7:14 pm on 1 March 2015

Centuries from Lahiru Thirimanne and Kumar Sangakkara have guided Sri Lanka to an impressive nine-wicket thrashing of England in their Cricket World Cup match in Wellington.

Lahiru Thirimanne celebrates his century.

Lahiru Thirimanne celebrates his century. Photo: Photosport

Set 310 to win, Thirimanne set out first with Tilikaratne Dilshan for a 100-run opening partnership, then Thirimanne and Sangakkara got the remaining 212 runs as the Sri Lankans reached the target with ease and 16 balls remaining, finishing on 312 for one.

Thirimanne was 139 not out while Sangakkara made an unbeaten 117.

Earlier, the English batsman Joe Root's century guided his side to 309 for six after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

Root hit 121, while the six wickets were evenly shared amongst the six Sri Lankan bowlers, Dilshan the most economical with his one for 35 off just over eight overs.

Spinner Rangana Herath possibly has a broken finger after being struck by a ball hit hard by England's Joss Buttler. Herath's finger was bleeding and he went straight off the field.

Follow the commentary of how the match unfolded here