Will Jacks’ Spin Decimates Sri Lanka As England Seal Super 8 Opener In Pallekele

England beat Sri Lanka in Super 8. [Source - AFP Photos]

England edged past Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their Super 8 clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, February 22nd. A dominant bowling display to defend a moderate total helped them seal a crucial win in their opening Super 8 fixture at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Here, we take a look at the complete highlights of the thrilling Super 8 encounter between England and Sri Lanka as the action unfolded in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka’s Spin Strangle Leaves England Reeling Early

Asked to bat first on a hot and humid afternoon in Pallekele, England found it tough from the start. Jos Buttler’s poor form continued as he fell early inside the powerplay. Phil Salt hit a few big shots, but Sri Lanka kept control throughout the opening overs.

England were 37 for 2 after six overs as Sri Lanka completely dominated the powerplay. Spinners Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana struck at regular intervals, not allowing any momentum. Jacob Bethell also departed, and England struggled to build any meaningful partnership under pressure.

The problems continued when Tom Banton was run out, adding to England’s frustration. Captain Harry Brook tried to counter-attack but could not last long either. At the halfway stage, England were struggling badly at 68 for 4, with Sri Lanka firmly in control.

England Stall Despite Salt’s Resistance as Sri Lanka Finish Strong

Searching for a fightback, Phil Salt found support from Sam Curran as England tried to rebuild. Curran attempted to raise the tempo but fell while attacking. Salt, however, held firm, playing some brave shots to keep England’s hopes alive in difficult conditions.

He brought up a gritty half-century but was dismissed for 62 off 40 balls, with Dushmantha Chameera striking at a crucial moment. England slipped to 114 for 6 with four overs remaining, and the pressure firmly back on their middle and lower order.

Will Jacks showed a few glimpses of his finishing ability but could not provide the late surge England desperately needed. Sri Lanka closed out the innings brilliantly, restricting England to a modest 146 for 9 in 20 overs, with the spinners doing most of the damage.

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England’s Spin Trap Triggers Sri Lanka’s Stunning Collapse in Pallekele

Chasing 147, Sri Lanka were expected to seal the game comfortably, but what followed stunned everyone. England came out firing, reducing them to five down inside the powerplay and completely flipping the momentum in Pallekele.

In form Pathum Nissanka fell early, and the collapse only deepened when Will Jacks ran havoc inside the powerplay. He delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 22 in four overs, breaking the back of Sri Lanka’s batting as Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, all failed to survive.

Kamindu Mendis and captain Dasun Shanaka tried to rebuild, but England kept striking at regular intervals, keeping the host out of equation. Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid joined the party to wrap things up as Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 95, with England’s early spin move proving decisive in the opening T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 fixture.

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