Malinga becomes second Sri Lankan to pick 50 wickets in World Cup

Lasith Malinga became the second Sri Lankan after Muttiah Muralitharan to pick 50-plus wickets in World Cup history.

Lasith Malinga with team-mates after removing Joe Root for 57.

Lasith Malinga picked four wickets in Sri Lanka's match against England on Friday to become the fourth bowler to pick 50-plus wickets in World Cup history.

He is now the second Sri Lankan after Muttiah Muralitharan (68) to join the club — with Glenn McGrath (71) and Wasim Akram (55) being the other bowlers.

Defending a paltry total of 232, Malinga gave Sri Lanka a perfect start by removing Jonny Bairstow (0) and James Vince (14) early. Later in the 31st over, the slinger paceman took out the well-set Joe Root for 57 and then with the scalp of Jos Buttler on 10.