England bowl out Sri Lanka for 95 to seal 51-run win in T20 World Cup Super 8s
Batting first, England managed 146/9 from their 20 overs on a surface that offered noticeable grip for the spinners. Phil Salt provided stability with 62, accounting for a significant share of the total in an innings where partnerships were limited. Will Jacks added 21, while England struggled to accelerate during the powerplay, scoring 37 runs in the first six overs.
Jos Buttler’s difficult tournament continued as he made 7 from 14 balls before falling lbw to Dunith Wellalage. Maheesh Theekshana removed Jacob Bethell, and England’s middle order failed to establish momentum, with the highest partnership of the innings reaching only 26. Despite late resistance, England were unable to push beyond a moderate total.
Sri Lanka’s reply faltered almost immediately. Reduced to 34/5 inside the powerplay, the hosts were unable to recover from the early damage. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara fell during the opening exchanges as England’s seamers applied sustained pressure.
Will Jacks proved influential with the ball, claiming three wickets during the powerplay to derail the chase. The collapse continued as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 95 in 16.4 overs. Captain Dasun Shanaka offered brief resistance with 30, but wickets continued to fall around him. Dushan Hemantha’s dismissal — striking his own stumps — reflected a difficult outing for the home side.
The 51-run margin marked a comprehensive defensive performance from England, who capitalised on favourable conditions to restrict Sri Lanka well short of the target.
