England produced a sensational bowling performance against Sri Lanka in the Super 8 encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 22. Defending just 147 against the co-hosts, English bowlers stepped up to give them a stunning 51-run victory, solidifying their semi-final chances.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka opted to field after winning the toss. Jos Buttler continued his horrific run, getting dismissed on just 7 off 14 balls while Jacob Bethell and Tim Banton followed the former English captain, both getting out for single-digit scores.
Captain Harry Brook tried to recover the sinking ship but got out lbw to Dunith Wellalage for a seven-ball 14. Will Jacks gave them the finishing touch, scoring 21 off 14. Opener Phil Salt was the sole warrior for them, scoring 62 off 40 balls.
It was an all-round show by the Lankan bowlers, as left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage took three wickets for 26 runs while Dilshan Madushanka and Maheesh Theekshana both picked up two wickets each.
However, with the bat, it was a straight up disastrous batting performance, as chasing a modest target of 147, they were shot out for just 95 in 16.4 overs. Jofra Archer removed both openers early, including in-form Pathum Nissanka (9 off 8 balls). Then, Will Jacks spun his web, destroying Sri Lanka’s middle-order with wickets of Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake and Dunth Wellalage.
Captain Dasun Shanaka tried his best, scoring 30 off 24 but Wellalage (10 off 10), and Kamindu Mendis (13 off 11) could not provide much support. Archer, Liam Dawson, and Adil Rashid picked up two-wickets each, whereas Jacks continued his dream run, picking up three wickets. Jamie Overton took a wicket as well.
ENG vs SL: Top Performers of the Match
Top batting performance: Phil Salt
After a string of low scores, the experienced opener finally got his mojo back, when his team needed him the most. Despite wickets falling around him, Phil Salt kept his composure, steering England with 62 off 40. His knock included six fours and two sixes.
Top bowling performance: Will Jacks
It was a clinical bowling performance by Will Jacks, defending a low total. He broke Sri Lanka’s back with a thumping fourth over, where he took wickets of Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake on consecutive deliveries. The off-spinner finished his spell giving away just 22 runs in four overs, while also picking up three wickets.
What’s happening in Pallekele?! 😱
Sri Lanka are 5 wickets down in the powerplay & this is the first-time ever 👇
➡️ SL have lost 5 wickets in Powerplay in ICC Men’s T20 WC
➡️ England have taken 5 wickets in Powerplay in ICC Men’s T20 WC
➡️ A team has lost 5 wickets in… pic.twitter.com/xN06KCoVMZ— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 22, 2026
Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved
- Player of the Match awards in a single T20 World Cup edition – Will Jacks (3 in 2026 edition, joint second-most).
- 95 – Third-lowest total for Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup history.
Who was the Player of the Match?
Will Jacks was named Player of the Match for his brilliant all-round show. This is also his third POTM award in the ongoing season.
Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:
https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/t20-world-cup-2026-england-vs-sri-lanka-match-42-full-highlights-top-moments-winner-details-0073/