WEB DESK: England cricket team powered to a commanding 51-run win over the Sri Lanka national cricket team in their opening Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, skittling the hosts for just 95 in Kandy on Sunday.
After posting what looked like a modest 146-9, England’s bowlers tore through Sri Lanka’s batting order, sealing victory in 16.4 overs and stretching their unbeaten T20I streak against the Islanders to 12 matches. The emphatic result also delivered a significant net run-rate boost in a rain-affected group, following a washed-out contest between Pakistan and New Zealand in Colombo.
Choosing to field first at Pallekele, Sri Lanka initially appeared in control on a sluggish surface after a rain-hit week. However, Phil Salt anchored England’s innings with a brisk 62 from 40 balls, peppering the boundary with six fours and two sixes.
Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage stood out for Sri Lanka with figures of 3-26, including the key dismissals of Jos Buttler (7) and skipper Harry Brook (14). Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka added two wickets apiece as England closed on 146-9 from their 20 overs.
The contest swung dramatically during Sri Lanka’s chase. Jofra Archer set the tone with hostile pace, removing both openers — including the in-form Pathum Nissanka for 9. Will Jacks then delivered a decisive spell, snapping up 3-22 and striking in successive balls to dismiss Kusal Mendis (4) and Pavan Rathnayake (0).
Reduced to 34-5 inside the powerplay, Sri Lanka never recovered. Captain Dasun Shanaka resisted with a 30 off 24 deliveries, but support was scarce. Kamindu Mendis (13) and Wellalage (10) were the only others to reach double figures as the innings subsided for 95.
Adil Rashid wrapped up Shanaka’s wicket, with Jacks taking a sharp catch near the boundary and cleverly flicking the ball back into play to complete the dismissal.
England captain Harry Brook, who turned 27 on match day, hailed the comprehensive win as a “beautiful birthday present.”
