England have squeezed into the T20 Cricket World Cup semi-finals after Ben Stokes ushered them to a nervy win over Sri Lanka.

Jos Buttler’s side came into Saturday’s game in Sydney knowing victory would take them into the last four, while a defeat would see hosts and defending champions Australia qualify at their expense.

England reached their target of 142 runs with just two balls to spare after collapsing earlier, losing five wickets for 36 runs.

Stokes found the gaps and ran hard to finish unbeaten on 42 off 36 balls before a four from Chris Woakes got England over the line with four wickets to spare in a nail-biting finish.

They will likely face India in the semi-finals – Rohit Sharma’s men will top their pool if they beat Zimbabwe at the MCG on Sunday – but England could also play South Africa, Bangladesh or Pakistan.

“I am not a great watcher to be honest, so didn’t enjoy that much, but we knew we had to win the game. It’s the kind of situation he (Stokes) is made for,” Buttler said.

“He can play a lot of roles, he is a proper competitor, and it’s getting to this stage of comps where he is going to grow.

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“They get off to a good start, we knew the wicket will slow as the game went on. Fantastic over from (Adil) Rashid to change the momentum.”

Next week’s semi-finals are in Sydney on Wednesday and then Adelaide on Thursday, both at 8am UK time, with the final in Melbourne on Sunday, 13 November also an 8am start UK time.

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