Kumar Sangakkara smashed an unbeaten 134 off 135 balls as Sri Lanka stunned England by seven wickets in a high-scoring thriller on Thursday to stay afloat in the Champions Trophy.
The Islanders, chasing England’s seemingly impregnable 293-7, launched a spirited chase in the day-night game at the Oval to surpass the target in 47.1 overs and throw open the semi-final race from group A.
Sri Lanka, who would have been knocked out of the tournament had they lost, are now level with England on two points each, one behind group leaders New Zealand.
Australia, the fourth team in the group have one point.
The two semi-final spots will be determined after the last round of matches when England take on New Zealand in Cardiff on Sunday and Sri Lanka clash with Australia at the Oval on Monday.
Left-handed Sangakkara, cheered on by a big Sri Lankan contingent in the packed stands, anchored the chase with his 15th one-day hundred that was studded with 12 boundaries.
Pinch-hitter Nuwan Kulasekara, who was sent in at the fall of the third wicket, hit a quickfire 58 not out off 38 balls during a match-winning partnership of 110 from 71 balls with Sangakkara.
Kulasekara, who had two previous one-day half-centuries to his credit, plundered five fours and three sixes that demoralised the England attack.
Seamer James Anderson claimed two wickets, but Stuart Broad went for 67 runs in 8.1 overs and Tim Bresnan gave away 63 runs in 10 overs.
Earlier, England scored 7-293 after being sent in to bat by Sri Lanka in a Champions Trophy group A match at the Oval on Thursday.
Jonathan Trott (76), Joe Root (68) and Alastair Cook (59) were the main scorers for England, who will qualify for the semi-finals if they win the day-night game.
Ravi Bopara boosted the total by taking 28 runs, including three sixes and two fours, from the final over bowled by Shaminda Eranga.
Sri Lanka, who lost to New Zealand in their first game, will be eliminated from the tournament if they lose.
Rangana Herath claimed 2-46 for Sri Lanka with Lasith Malinga chiming in with 2-58. Eranga claimed 2-80 off his allotted 10 overs.