Sports Desk: World champions England are struggling against Sri Lankan bowlers losing five wickets in quick succession in the 25th game of the World Cup in Bengaluru.

They lost the five wickets within just 40 runs after having a 45-run opening stand at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday. They are currently staying on 122/6 after 25 overs.

After opting to bat, England got quite a good start taking 45 runs in 6.3 overs in the first-wicket partnership between Jonny Bairstow (30) and Dawid Malan (28).

However, they kept losing wickets in quick succession and at a time they lost five wickets in 85 runs. English all-rounder Moeen Ali (15) also departed after making a 37-run stand with Ben Stokes who remains unbeaten on 33.

Angelo Mathews and Lahiru Kumara got two wickets each for Sri Lanka while Kasun Rajitha picked up one.