England opened their Super Eight campaign with a commanding 51-run victory over Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele, strengthening their push towards the semi-finals.
After being asked to bat first, the Harry Brook-led side posted 146 for nine before dismissing Sri Lanka for 95 runs, sealing their 12th consecutive T20I win over the hosts.
The result also gained added significance after the match between Pakistan and New Zealand was washed out, giving England early momentum in the group B of Super Eight.
Salt anchors England innings
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka opted to field first at Pallekele, aiming to replicate the earlier success of his team while chasing at the same venue earlier in the tournament.
England found scoring difficult on a sluggish surface and lost early wickets, with Jos Buttler’s poor run continuing as he was dismissed for seven runs.
Opening batter Phil Salt anchored the innings with a composed 62 from 40 balls, stabilising the batting as partners fell regularly at the other end.
Dunith Wellalage claimed three for 26, including Buttler, Harry Brook and Salt, while late hits from Jamie Overton lifted England to a total still below 150.
Early blows derail Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s chase unravelled rapidly as England’s mix of pace and spin dismantled the top order inside the powerplay, placing the hosts under immediate and sustained scoreboard pressure.
Pathum Nissanka fell early to Jofra Archer, before Will Jacks struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Kusal Perera and Rathnayake in consecutive deliveries.
By the end of six overs, Sri Lanka had slumped to five wickets down, conceding complete control of the contest to a disciplined and confident England side.
Jacks dominates with ball and field
Will Jacks returned impressive figures of three for 22 from four overs, dismantling Sri Lanka’s middle order with accuracy and sharp turn on a responsive surface.
He also combined with Tom Banton to complete a decisive relay catch that removed Dasun Shanaka, highlighting his significant all-round impact in the field.
Liam Dawson took two for 27 and Adil Rashid sealed victory with a trademark googly to bowl Dilshan Madushanka, ending Sri Lanka’s innings on 95.
England take early control of group
Sri Lanka never recovered from their early collapse and continued to lose wickets steadily against England’s disciplined and varied bowling attack throughout the innings.
The emphatic victory extended England’s unbeaten T20I run against Sri Lanka and marked an important early step towards the semi-finals in the T20 World Cup 2026.
