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 last night.
Chasing Sri Lanka's 235 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, 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 Lasith 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 ones South Africa - to keep alive their hopes of reaching the last four for the first time since 1992.
Earlier yesterday, India coach Greg Chappell handed in his resignation, two days before the Indian cricket board meet to analyse the team's poor World Cup performance in the Caribbean.
The Australian's two-year contract was due to run out at the end of April.
Chappell (58) took up the post in 2005 with an eye on success at this year's World Cup but India suffered a shock first-round exit last month, losing to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The former Australian captain's tenure with India has yielded mixed results. A 1-0 test series victory last year in the Caribbean - their first in 35 years - was one of the high points. But the failure to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy as hosts last year and a first-round exit from the World Cup did not go down well in India.
