England defeated Sri Lanka in their Super Eight clash at Pallekele, bowling out the co-hosts for 95 while defending 146/9.
England's Phil Salt plays a shot during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 match between England and Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Sunday, February 22, 2026. (IANS/Biplab Banerjee)
England won their Super Eight match against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, bundling out the co-hosts for 95 runs in 16.4 overs to secure a comprehensive victory.
Earlier, England posted 146/9 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Phil Salt anchored the innings with a resilient 62 off 40 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes, but received minimal support from the rest of the batting lineup.
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England bowlers did the damage to Sri Lanka to seal their Super 8 opener by 51 runs
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England’s top order collapsed early, with Jos Buttler (7), Jacob Bethell (3), Tom Banton (6) and captain Harry Brook (14) all falling cheaply, leaving them struggling at 68/4 after 10 overs. Will Jacks provided a quick boost with 21 off 14 balls, while Jamie Overton added late runs to push England close to the 150-run mark.
For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage was the standout bowler with figures of 3/26, while Maheesh Theekshana (2/21) and Dilshan Madushanka (2/25) also impressed.
In reply, Sri Lanka suffered a dramatic collapse, losing five wickets inside the powerplay and never recovering from the early damage.
Captain Dasun Shanaka top-scored with 30, but England’s bowlers dominated, with Will Jacks (3/22), Adil Rashid (3/13), Jofra Archer (2/20) and Liam Dawson (2/27) sharing the spoils to seal a convincing win.
Captains at toss
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said after winning the toss, “We’ve been chasing well recently, so we’re happy to field. The boys are very confident playing here. Injuries have been tough, but the replacements have stepped up brilliantly. Chameera comes back for Pramod Madushan, and Kamil Mishara replaces Kusal Perera.”
England captain Harry Brook added, “We could have bowled first as well. This is a new competition now, and we need to be brave, put the opposition under pressure, and play positively. We’ve played three games on this pitch already, which gives us confidence. We’re ready for the challenge today.”
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, D Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, D Madushanka
England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
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