England defeat Sri Lanka by 51 runs to boost T20 World Cup Super 8s campaign
After being sent in to bat, England finished on 146/9 from their 20 overs. Phil Salt provided the backbone of the innings with 62, anchoring the scoring through a challenging powerplay in which England managed only 37 runs. Will Jacks contributed 21, while the remainder of the batting line-up struggled to build sustained partnerships.
Jos Buttler endured a difficult outing, scoring 7 from 14 balls before falling lbw to Dunith Wellalage. Jacob Bethell was dismissed attempting an aggressive stroke against Maheesh Theekshana, and Tom Banton was run out as pressure mounted. The highest stand of the innings was 26 between Salt and Sam Curran, while Jamie Overton added late impetus with a six in the final over.
Despite the below-par total, England’s bowlers capitalised on favourable conditions during Sri Lanka’s chase. Jofra Archer made early inroads, removing Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara during an aggressive opening spell that included three consecutive overs.
Sri Lanka’s pursuit unraveled rapidly as Will Jacks struck three times inside the powerplay. He dismissed Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake in successive deliveries before adding the wicket of Dunith Wellalage as the hosts collapsed to 34/5. Kamindu Mendis chipped a return catch to Liam Dawson, while Dushan Hemantha’s dismissal — hitting his own stumps — compounded Sri Lanka’s struggles.
Captain Dasun Shanaka offered brief resistance with 30, but his dismissal — a relay boundary catch completed by Jacks and Banton — ended realistic hopes of recovery. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 95.
The result follows England’s narrow group-stage victories over Nepal, Scotland and Italy and strengthens their position in the Super 8s standings. England now face Pakistan and New Zealand in their remaining fixtures, with two wins guaranteeing a semi-final berth and one potentially sufficient depending on net run rate.
