Pietersen credits 'IPL-experience' to Luke Wright's spectacular success

English cricketer Kevin Pietersen has praised match-winner Luke Wright, who has experienced playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big bash League (BBL), following England's impressive start with a 116-run Group A win against Afghanistan in the World T20 in Sri Lanka.

Pietersen, who was left out of England's defence of in the cricket tournament following his differences with the England and Wales Cricket Board, and is therefore working as a TV pundit from a Colombo studio.

"I totally agree with his sentiments, saying he's become a much better player because he's played 'Big Bash' and IPL when he's been out of the team. Batting at three gives you more opportunity but it also adds extra pressure. He's come in and done a terrific job," the Daily Star quoted Pietersen, as saying

The triumph, on the back of No.3 Wright's 99 not out, now means that England are already through to the Super Eight stages, regardless of the outcome of today's match against India, the paper said.

England's 196-5 after being sent in to bat cost heavy for Afghanistan, who folded up for 80 in 17.2 overs in Colombo's Premadasa stadium.