T20 World Cup: England crush Sri Lanka by 51 runs after Salt-Jacks' heroics fold hosts for 95 in 147-run chase

England launched their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 campaign with a crushing 51-run win over hosts Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 22. Although England were restricted to a modest total of 146/9, their bowling unit, spearheaded by a clinical performance from Will Jacks, proved insurmountable for the Sri Lankan batters, who crumbled for a mere 95 runs in just 16.4 overs.

The contest began in favor of the home side after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field. Their spinners, led by Dunith Wellalage (3/26), effectively strangled England’s top order on a surface offering significant turn. Aside from a resilient 62 from Phil Salt, the English lineup struggled for rhythm, with key figures Harry Brook and Jos Buttler falling cheaply. At the halfway mark, England sat at a precarious 68/4, but late contributions from Will Jacks (21) and Jamie Overton (10*) helped push the final score to 146—a total many observers initially considered below par.

ALSO READ: CSK CEO ends suspense over MS Dhoni's availability for IPL 2026 amidst retirement rumours

However, the second innings shifted the momentum entirely as England’s attack exploited the conditions with surgical precision. Jofra Archer set an aggressive tone by dismissing Pathum Nissanka in the very first over, but it was the introduction of Will Jacks that triggered a complete collapse. The off-spinner tore through the Sri Lankan top order, claiming 3/22 and picking up two wickets in consecutive deliveries. By the end of the powerplay, the hosts were reeling at 34/5, effectively ending their hopes of a successful chase.

ALSO READ: India A crush Bangladesh A with 46-run win, claim 2nd consecutive Rising Stars Asia Cup title

Sri Lanka’s middle order failed to offer any meaningful resistance against the relentless pressure applied by the English bowling attack. Former captain Dasun Shanaka provided the only real fight for the hosts, assembling a gritty 30 runs, but he found himself isolated as wickets collapsed around him. The spin duo of Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson efficiently dismantled the tail, with Rashid fittingly claiming the final wicket to secure the emphatic victory.

This result catapults England to the top of Group 2 in the Super 8s, providing them with a crucial boost to their net run rate. In contrast, the defeat serves as a severe blow to Sri Lanka’s semi-final hopes. The hosts now face a high-stakes scenario with virtually no margin for error in their upcoming must-win fixtures against Pakistan and New Zealand.