Pallekele witnessed England’s spin wizards weave a web around Sri Lanka, clinching a 51-run T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 victory and their 12th straight T20I success against the hosts. The streak, unbroken since Sri Lanka’s 2014 triumph, features standout performances including multiple 8-wicket routs.
Batting first post-toss loss, England grinded out 146/9. Salt’s explosive 62 (40 balls, 6×4, 2×6) formed the backbone, rotating strike seamlessly with multiple partners. Jacks’ 21 steadied the ship amid bowling pressure.
Sri Lanka’s attack was sharp: Wellalage’s 3/xx, Madushanka and Theekshana’s 2 each, and Chameera’s 1 kept England in check on a turning track.
Target in sight, Sri Lanka imploded to 95 in 16.4 overs. Shanaka (30 off 24, 3 boundaries) fought lone, with Mendis (13) unable. England’s response was clinical.
Spinners dominated, grabbing 7 wickets – a T20WC record for England. Jacks (3), Archer (2), Dawson (2), Rashid (2), and Overton (1) dismantled the lineup. This collective effort turned the game decisively.
The match encapsulates England’s T20 supremacy over Sri Lanka, blending resilience and skill. As Super 8 battles intensify, this performance boosts morale, positioning England strongly while exposing Sri Lanka’s chasing woes.