Pietersen stars as England cruise to final

Kevin Pietersen marked the birth of his first son by steering England into the final of the ICC World Twenty20, as he continued his imposing run of form with an unbeaten 42 from 26 balls in a comprehensive seven-wicket victory. Back in the side after his paternity dash back to England, Pietersen built on the hard-hitting efforts of Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb, who added 68 for the first wicket in eight overs, as Sri Lanka's sub-par total of 128 for 6 was hunted down with four overs to spare.

It was yet another supremely composed performance from England, who have shed the diffidence they have habitually shown in this format, and powered their way past the beaten finalists in the 2009 tournament in unquestionably their most domineering performance of the competition to date.

Pietersen had to thank the opening pair for laying a solid foundation to the chase, which he was able to capitalise on. He struck three fours and two sixes in his stay, adding 33 with captain Paul Collingwood and ensuring there were no hiccups after an encouraging start in England's attempt to overhaul a below-par total.