England’s spinners turned Pallekele into a graveyard for Sri Lankan hopes, delivering a 51-run demolition in the T20 World Cup 2026. Sunday’s clash saw the English side claim the top spot in Super 8 Group 2 while shattering multiple records.
Phil Salt’s 62 off 40 balls – featuring six fours and two sixes – anchored England’s 146/whatever in 20 overs. Will Jacks’ 21 off 14 provided the late flourish, setting up what became a historic defense.
Sri Lanka, tasked with 147, folded for 95. Dasun Shanaka (30) and Kaminidu Mendis (13) were the only notable contributors as England’s spinners ran riot, snaring seven wickets – a T20 World Cup first. Will Jacks starred with 3/22, backed by Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid’s 2/xx each.
Key milestones included England’s second-largest T20 WC win by runs, 12th straight T20I win over Sri Lanka, defense of their fourth-smallest T20I target, and Sri Lanka’s third-lowest tournament score alongside the second-smallest defended target against them.
This performance underscores England’s evolution in T20 cricket, blending firepower with finesse. Next up is Pakistan on February 24, where the world champions will look to maintain their unstoppable form.