By Dwayne Ferreira
England completed a comprehensive 3-0 T20I series whitewash over Sri Lanka yesterday, defending their lowest-ever total in the format to secure a 12-run victory. In a low-scoring thriller that swung like a pendulum, it was once again Sam Curran who provided the backbone for England before Jacob Bethell’s late-inning magic dismantled the Sri Lankan tail.
Opting to bat first on a surface that offered significant turn, England’s top order crumbled against the pace of Dushmantha Chameera, who claimed a magnificent 5-24. At 60-6, the visitors looked set for a sub-100 total. However, Sam Curran played what many are calling his finest T20I knock by far.
Curran struck a career best of 58 off 48 balls, showing immense maturity as he farmed the strike and anchored a crucial 47-run partnership with Liam Dawson. His ability to shift gears in the final overs pushed England to a fighting 128-9. A total that looked short, but proved to be dependable on a depleting Pallekele pitch.
Sri Lanka’s chase began with promise, as Kusal Mendis (26) and Pathum Nissanka (23) kept the scoreboard ticking. Even as wickets fell, the hosts reached 90-4 and seemed to have the game under control, needing just 39 runs from the final seven overs.
The momentum shifted violently when Will Jacks (3-14) removed both Mendis and Janith Liyanage in quick succession. Athlough, the true knockout blow came from Jacob Bethell a short while after. The young left-armer turned the game on its head in the 18th over, taking three wickets in just six deliveries. Including the prize scalp of Dasun Shanaka. Bethell finished with career-best figures of 4-11, as Sri Lanka lost their final six wickets for just 26 runs, eventually being bowled out for 116.
For his efforts with the bat and his consistent impact throughout the week, Sam Curran was deservedly named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
England now heads into the T20 World Cup with five consecutive white-ball wins and a bowling unit that looks lethal in subcontinental conditions. For Sri Lanka, it’s a case of missed opportunities, as their batting fragility overshadowed a brilliant five-wicket haul from Chameera.
Chief Scores:
England – 128/9 in 20 overs (Sam Curran 58, Jos Butler 25, Dushmantha Chameera 5/24, Matheesha Pathirana 2/27)
Sri Lanka – 166 all out in 19.3 overs (Kusal Mends 26, Pathum Nissanka 23, Jacob Bethell 4/11, Will Jacks 3/14)
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