Yardy helps England into final
The Sussex captain, whose talent was forged with Battle and Hastings Priory Cricket Clubs, conceded just 21 runs from his four overs with 11 dot balls as England restricted Sri Lanka to 128-6 batting first.
England proceeded to reach their target with seven wickets and four overs to spare in St Lucia, new dad Kevin Pietersen hitting an unbeaten 42 off only 26 deliveries.
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Hide AdThey will take on the winners of Friday's second semi-final between Australia and Pakistan in the final in Barbados on Sunday.
Yardy's economical left-arm slow bowling played an important part in England winning all three of their Super Eights matches against Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand.
England earlier came through their opening group despite a controversial Duckworth/Lewis defeat to West Indies and a no result against Ireland.
Former William Parker Sports College student Yardy, 29, is making his return to the international arena after a three-year absence.