England 146/9 (20 overs) – RR 7.30
Top scorers: Phil Salt 62 (40), Will Jacks 21 (14)
Key wickets: Dunith Wellalage 3/26 (6.50), Maheesh Theekshana 2/21 (5.25), Dilshan Madushanka 2/25 (6.25)
Sri Lanka 95 all out (16.4 overs) – RR 5.70
Top scorers: Dasun Shanaka 30 (24), Kamindu Mendis 13 (11)
Key wickets: Will Jacks 3/22 (5.50), Adil Rashid 2/13 (3.54), Jofra Archer 2/20 (6.66)
England produced a disciplined all-round performance at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium to defeat Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2025/26 encounter. Defending a modest total of 147, England’s spin attack dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup to seal a commanding victory.
After Sri Lanka elected to field first, England’s innings was built around a fluent knock from Phil Salt. The right-hander struck 62 from 40 balls, combining calculated aggression with sharp placement. His six fours and two sixes ensured England maintained a steady scoring rate despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Salt’s half-century off 36 balls anchored the innings through the middle overs.
Will Jacks provided valuable support with a brisk 21 from 14 deliveries, adding momentum before the final overs. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers prevented a late surge. Dunith Wellalage led the attack impressively, claiming 3 for 26 with tight control. Maheesh Theekshana delivered a miserly spell of 2 for 21, while Dilshan Madushanka’s two wickets further restricted England to 146 for 9.
Sri Lanka’s response faltered early. Reduced to 34 for 5 inside the Powerplay, the chase never recovered. Jofra Archer struck twice in his opening spell, unsettling the top order with pace and accuracy. Will Jacks then turned the contest decisively, picking up 3 for 22 and applying relentless pressure.
Dasun Shanaka attempted to revive the innings with a fighting 30 off 24 balls, but regular wickets halted any momentum. Adil Rashid’s economical 2 for 13 tightened the grip, and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 95 in 16.4 overs.
England’s balanced bowling attack and sharp fielding proved decisive, earning them two valuable group stage points while Sri Lanka were left searching for answers under the Pallekele lights.
