Sri Lanka's hopes of reaching the Cricket World Cup semifinals were dented as South Africa thrashed them by nine wickets.

Sri Lanka remain two points behind England and it is likely they will have to win both of their remaining matches, including beating unbeaten India, and hope other results go in their favour if they are to overtake Eoin Morgan's side.

The biggest threats to England's top‑four place are now likely to be Pakistan and Bangladesh, with the former playing Afghanistan tonight.

South Africa were already eliminated, and this was just their second victory in the competition.

South Africa will now play Australia at 12.30am next Sunday while Sri Lanka will play West Indies at 9.30pm Monday.

Meanwhile, Pakistan play Afghanistan at 9.30 tonight.

The group stage format is a round robin, where all ten teams play each other once, in a single group.

This means a total of 45 matches will be played, with each team playing a total of nine matches.

The top four teams from the group will progress to the semi finals.

Australia currently lead the points table, India are in second place ,New Zealand in are third place while England come in fourth.

The first semifinal will be played on the 9th of next month at 9.30pm while the second semi final will be played on the 10th of next month at 9.30pm.

The final will be played on the 14th of next month.

[Source:BBC Sports]

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