March 27, 2011 1:45 PM

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WC: Three South Asian countries in semi-final for first time

With Sri Lanka defeating England, there will be three teams from the Sub continent in the ODI World Cup Semifinals for the first time ever. It would now take a very brave man to bet against an all Asian final. Every final since 1992 has had one Asian Team but never have both finalists been from South Asia. Sri Lanka outplayed England by 10 wickets in a thoroughly one-sided quarter-final encounter in Colombo last night. Chasing a target of 230 runs for a win, the co-hosts achieved victory by making 231 in only 39.3 overs, without losing a wicket. Openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga hit superb centuries. While Man of the Match Dilshan remained unbeaten on 108, Tharanga was not out on 102. Earlier, batting first, England made a modest 229 for six in the stipulated overs. Sri Lanka will now meet New Zealand in the first semi-final at the same venue on Tuesday. The second semi-final between India and arch-rivals Pakistan will be played at the PCA Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh, on Wednesday.

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