ICC Men's T20 World Cup: England outclass Sri Lanka by 51 runs in spin battle at Pallekele

ICC Men's T20 World Cup: England outclass Sri Lanka by 51 runs in spin battle at Pallekele
 By Prem Kumar Sun, 22 Feb 2026
Sri Lanka restrict England to 146/9 Despite persistent rain in the lead-up to the match, there were no delays, and Sri Lanka opted to bowl first after winning the toss — a decision that paid early dividends. Dunith Wellalage struck the first major blow, trapping Jos Buttler lbw as England struggled to accelerate on the sluggish track. Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera applied further pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving England reeling at 68/4 by the halfway mark. Amid the collapse, Phil Salt stood tall. He counterattacked with calculated aggression, striking sixes and boundaries against both pace and spin. Salt brought up a crucial 62, contributing more than half of England’s total at one stage. Will Jacks added a valuable 21 late in the innings, ensuring England reached a competitive 146/9. Wellalage was the pick of the bowlers with 3/26, while Theekshana claimed 2/21. England spinners dismantle Sri Lanka’s chase If Sri Lanka’s spinners impressed in the first innings, England’s response with the ball was even more devastating. Jacks and Jofra Archer combined brilliantly in the Powerplay, removing five wickets inside six overs to silence the Pallekele crowd. Pathum Nissanka fell first, followed by quick strikes from Jacks that sent Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake back in consecutive deliveries. Archer then dismissed Kamil Mishara, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble at 34/5 by the end of the Powerplay. Although Dasun Shanaka attempted resistance with a fighting 30, wickets continued to tumble. Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid wrapped up proceedings efficiently as Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 95 in 16.4 overs. Match Summary England: 146/9 (20 overs) Phil Salt 62 Will Jacks 21 Dunith Wellalage 3/26 Maheesh Theekshana 2/21 Sri Lanka: 95 all out (16.4 overs) Dasun Shanaka 30 Will Jacks 3/22 Adil Rashid 2/13 Result: England won by 51 runs The comprehensive victory gives England strong momentum in the Super Eight stage, while Sri Lanka face mounting pressure with other contenders already picking up crucial points.
England produced a dominant all-round display to defeat Sri Lanka cricket team by 51 runs in their first Super Eight clash at Pallekele. On a slow, turning surface, both teams relied heavily on spin, but it was England cricket team who adapted better to the conditions to secure a resounding victory.

Sri Lanka restrict England to 146/9

Despite persistent rain in the lead-up to the match, there were no delays, and Sri Lanka opted to bowl first after winning the toss — a decision that paid early dividends.

Dunith Wellalage struck the first major blow, trapping Jos Buttler lbw as England struggled to accelerate on the sluggish track. Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera applied further pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving England reeling at 68/4 by the halfway mark.

Amid the collapse, Phil Salt stood tall. He counterattacked with calculated aggression, striking sixes and boundaries against both pace and spin. Salt brought up a crucial 62, contributing more than half of England’s total at one stage.

Will Jacks added a valuable 21 late in the innings, ensuring England reached a competitive 146/9. Wellalage was the pick of the bowlers with 3/26, while Theekshana claimed 2/21.

England spinners dismantle Sri Lanka’s chase

If Sri Lanka’s spinners impressed in the first innings, England’s response with the ball was even more devastating. Jacks and Jofra Archer combined brilliantly in the Powerplay, removing five wickets inside six overs to silence the Pallekele crowd.

Pathum Nissanka fell first, followed by quick strikes from Jacks that sent Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake back in consecutive deliveries. Archer then dismissed Kamil Mishara, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble at 34/5 by the end of the Powerplay.

Although Dasun Shanaka attempted resistance with a fighting 30, wickets continued to tumble. Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid wrapped up proceedings efficiently as Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 95 in 16.4 overs.

Match Summary

England: 146/9 (20 overs)

  • Phil Salt 62

  • Will Jacks 21

  • Dunith Wellalage 3/26

  • Maheesh Theekshana 2/21

Sri Lanka: 95 all out (16.4 overs)

  • Dasun Shanaka 30

  • Will Jacks 3/22

  • Adil Rashid 2/13

Result: England won by 51 runs

The comprehensive victory gives England strong momentum in the Super Eight stage, while Sri Lanka face mounting pressure with other contenders already picking up crucial points.

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