Sri Lanka were humbled by England (Source: AFP & X)
Sri Lanka, one of the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2026 alongside India, were completely outclassed by England on Sunday when the two sides were up against each other in a crucial Super 8 clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Coming to chase a below-par 147, the Dasun Shanaka-led side could only muster 95 runs before being bundled out in 16.4 overs.
Many of Sri Lanka’s all-time cricket heroes could not hold themselves from commenting on their collective batting performance, particularly when the bowlers were all over England, with Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera all among the wickets. However, except for captain Shanaka (30 off 24 balls), none of their batters could reach 15, falling one after another like a pack of cards.
Angelo Mathews Thrashes Sri Lanka For Dismal England Show
One of Sri Lanka’s many legends who came to criticise Shanaka and his boys was Angelo Mathews. The 38-year-old, who hung up his boots after a 17-year-long career in international cricket, highlighted that the batters could not complement the bowlers in a match which should have been an easy-peasy contest.
"OMG! No words! Pathetic batting by srilanka. After bowling so well and no batter wanted to bat sensibly and get srilanka home ! Terrible," Angelo Mathews tweeted.
Sri Lanka Lost Momentum To Zimbabwe, Turned Bad To Worse
Despite low expectations, Sri Lanka were among the best sides so far in the competition. They won three matches on the trot to kick off the proceedings, which included victories against Ireland (by 20 runs), Oman (by 105 runs) and the mighty Australia (by 8 wickets) before Zimbabwe stunned the world with a six-wicket triumph.
Also Read: Will Jacks’ Spin Decimates Sri Lanka As England Seal Super 8 Opener In Pallekele
Things changed dramatically for Sri Lanka from then on, as they endured a heartbreaking 51-run defeat to England, making it tough for them to stay in the semi-final race. They will next face New Zealand and Pakistan, on February 25 and February 28 respectively.
Not to forget, the first match of the ongoing Super 8 stage was between Pakistan and New Zealand, held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Unfortunately, not a single ball was possible due to continuous rain after Pakistan captain Salman Agha had won the toss and opted to bat first.
Kumar Sangakkara Joins Angelo Mathews To Bash Sri Lanka
Easily Sri Lanka’s greatest ever batter, Kumar Sangakkara, joined Mathews to slam his country. The southpaw praised the bowlers for putting on a great show, but lambasted the batters for showing a senseless batting display altogether.
"Not a great outing by @OfficialSLC against England. The planning and execution by the bowlers were in sharp contrast to the same by the batters. Hard hands, mishara’s lack of intent and not reading the game situ or pitch cost them," Kumar Sangakkara tweeted.
With an aim to silence all the doubters, Sri Lanka will look to turn things around when New Zealand will meet them in Colombo in less than 72 hours.
Also Read: Why Suryakumar Yadav Snubbed Axar Patel For Washington Sundar In IND Vs SA T20 WC Super 8
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