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Results Based News

Sri Lanka cruise into final

Author: Rose Young
Date: 21/06/2009

Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the final of the ICC World Twenty20 following a 57-run victory over West Indies at The Oval.

Tillakaratne Dilshan's 96 not out was the highlight of a one-sided semi-final as Sri Lanka batted first and reached 158-5.

Dilshan faced just 57 balls and clubbed two sixes and 12 fours in a quick-fire innings.

Sri Lanka were dominant with the ball from the very first over as Angelo Mathews took three wickets to leave the Windies floundering on 1-3.

Chris Gayle helped steady the ship with an unbeaten 63 off 50 balls, but the West Indies were all out for just 101 in the 18th over to bring a premature end to the match.

Sri Lanka have now been installed as slight favourites to win Sunday's final against Pakistan at Lord's in the online betting markets.

Can Pakistan cause an upset in the final of the ICC World Twenty20? - Latest Cricket Betting

In the women's event, England booked their place in the final after a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Australia.

Claire Taylor (72) and Beth Morgan (45) put on an unbeaten 122 as England chased down a competitive total of 163 with plenty of wickets still in hand.

Italy boosted their chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the UEFA Under-21 European Championship following a 2-1 victory over Sweden.

Goals from Robert Acquafresca and Mario Balotelli - who was later sent off - sent the Azzurri to the top of Group A.

Meanwhile, Serbia and Belarus' hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages are hanging in the balance following a goalless draw in Malmo.

At the British Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel was fastest in both of Friday's practice sessions at Silverstone.

Vettel's Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber was second in both the morning in afternoon, but world championship leader Jenson Button slipped from third to 14th in the second session.

Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton was in the top 10 on both occasions on an improved display in his McLaren.

In rugby league, Castleford Tigers ended a four-match losing run with a 13-6 victory over Huddersfield Giants.

The Tigers raced into a 12-0 half-time lead after tries from Kirk Dixon and Ryan McGoldrick.

However, it was a powerful defensive display after the interval which kept the Giants at bay and set-up the win.

Leroy Cudjoe touched down for the home side but a late Rangi Chase drop goal wrapped up the points for the visitors.

Elsewhere on Friday, Hull survived a late Salford fightback to win 14-12 at the KC Stadium.

Gareth Raynor and Motu Tony were the try scorers for the home side, while Danny Tickle added six points with the boot.

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