Wright lifts England to 196-5 against Afghanistan

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Luke Wright smashed an unbeaten 99 off 55 balls as defending champions England overcame a bad start to post 196-5 against Afghanistan in the World Twenty20 in Colombo on Friday.

Wright plundered eight fours and six sixes in the highest score by an Englishman in World Twenty20 after Craig Kieswetter was bowled by Shapoor Zadran in the first over before a run had been scored.

Wright, who was on 97 with one ball remaining, was denied a century when he managed just two runs off Dawlat Zadran.

England, sent in to bat, struggled to 15 runs in the first four overs, before the innings gained momentum when 23 runs were scored off the fifth over bowled by Shapoor.

Alex Hales helped Wright put on 69 for the second wicket before he was run out for 31 in the 10th over.

Eoin Morgan joined Wright to add 72 for the third wicket, himself making 27 off 23 balls before he was dismissed in the 17th over attempting a big shot off Izatullah Dawlatzai.

Izatullah picked up a second wicket in his next over, trapping Jos Buttler leg-before for 15, but was then hit for three successive sixes by Wright.

Afghanistan, who lost their opening match to India by 23 runs on Wednesday, need a win to remain in the competition. England are playing their first game.