England all-rounder Ravi Bopara has admitted that a win over Sri Lanka would act as a "big confidence boost" for his team as they look to qualify for the final stages of the World TwentyT20.

New Zealand edged out England in a rain-affected encounter on Saturday, leaving Stuart Broad's outfit facing a battle to reach the last four, and despite a second defeat not eliminating them from the tournament, Bopara has insisted that England must overcome Sri Lanka to retain realistic hopes of progression.

The 28-year-old told reporters: "It is a must-win game for us. I don't think that we knew about any of the mathematical sides to it, but we have to win.

"Winning against Sri Lanka would be a big thing for us and a big confidence boost."

England play Sri Lanka on Thursday before facing fixtures with South Africa and the Netherlands.

Written by
Darren Plant