Cricket World cup Wrapup - Days 24 and 25

England finally got a result when they needed it most getting a huge victory over the West Indies 243-225 to propel them into third place in Group B, dramatically improving their chances of earning a spot in the next round of the tournament. England moves one point ahead of the West Indies and Bangladesh, but those two teams have tough matches ahead of them. Bangladesh must play 4-1 South Africa tomorrow while the West Indies takes on 3-1-1 India. No batsman from either side produced 50 runs with the West Indies' Andre Russell producing a game high 49 off 46 balls. Jonathan Trott led England with 47 runs off 38 balls, but it was James Tredwell who was the man of the match. Tredwell took 4 wickets in 10 overs and bowled a pair of maiden overs as the Brits conclude their first round with a record of 3-2-1.

 Photo Courtesy: zimbio.com

The Netherlands put up a fight scoring 306 runs in their final match of the World Cup, but Ireland edged them out 307-306 by 6 wickets with 14 balls remaining to send the Dutch home winless. Ireland is also eliminated from the tournament as they finish 2-4 and in 6th place in Group B. Ireland's Paul Stirling, just 20 years old, was named the man of the match finishing with 101 runs off 72 balls. Ryan ten Doeschate led the Dutch with a game high 106 runs off 108 balls before having his wicket taken by Stirling who in addition to his century, also bowled ten overs.

  Photo Courtesy: zimbio.com

Sri Lanka temporarily jumped ahead of unbeaten Australia for the Group A lead following their 265-153 thrashing of New Zealand. It was just New Zealand's second loss of the tournament. Sri Lanka was led by their team captain Kumar Sangakkara who talled 111 runs off 128 balls. Vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene added 66 runs off 90 balls while no one on New Zealand had more than 33. Muttiah Muralitharan took 4 wickets in 8 overs while only allowing 25 runs. While both sides have clinched a berth in the next round, the results of the Pakistan-Australia game tomorrow will determine their seed.

 Photo Courtesy: zimbio.com