(Cricket news) England successfully defended a score of 163-4 as Eoin Morgan’s side went on to claim their fourth successive win at the T20 World Cup in the UAE. The Three Lions’ position in the top four will be secured if South Africa lose to Bangladesh today.

Jos Buttler was undoubtedly the star of the show as his 67 ball century helped England reach a target of 163 runs in 20 overs. Few would have predicted such a respectable total, especially considering England were 36-3 in the powerplay and 47-3 in the first 10 overs. However, a partnership between Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan (40 runs off 36) yielded 112 runs in 78 balls. Buttler carried on his tremendous form which saw the 31 year old score 71* from 32 balls against Australia and struck six sixes and six fours. His dependable performance saw his fifty taking 45 balls but the century took only 22 more deliveries.

Buttler became the fourth England men’s player to score a T20I century with the other three being Alex Hales, Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone. Sri Lanka had a poor start in their run chase, being reduced to 76-5 in the 11th over but a partnership between Wanindu Hasaranga (34 runs off 21) and Sri Lankan skipper Shanaka (26) yielded 53 runs off 36 balls to ensure a more manageable 35 run requirement from 20 balls. However, Hasaranga was dismissed in the 17th over by an excellent catch from Sam Billings, who came on as a sub-fielder for Tymal Mills. Shanka was dismissed in the next over by Jos Buttler who showed great presence of mind to take a crucial wicket in what was a tremendous blow for Sri Lanka.

The Lions were all out for 137 runs in 19 overs as England won by 26 runs in Sharjah. The World Number 1 T20 team is all but guaranteed a place in the semi-finals and a win against South Africa in their fifth and final group game on Saturday will cement their position.

Also read: Morgan surpasses Dhoni, Afghan in having most number of T20I wins by a captain