England Crush Sri Lanka in Super Eights Opener

Kandy (Web Desk)- England made a commanding start to their Super Eights campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating Sri Lanka by 51 runs at Pallekele on Sunday.

Defending a modest total of 146 for nine, England’s bowlers produced a devastating display, skittling Sri Lanka for just 95 runs in 16.4 overs to register their 12th straight T20I victory over the Islanders. The emphatic win also delivered England a valuable net run-rate boost in a Super Eights group already disrupted by rain after the Pakistan–New Zealand clash in Colombo was washed out.

After being put in to bat on a slow, rain-affected surface, England found resistance hard to come by despite a fluent knock from Phil Salt, who top-scored with 62 off 40 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Will Jacks added 21, while wickets fell regularly at the other end. Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage impressed with figures of 3 for 26, dismissing key batters Jos Buttler and Harry Brook, as England closed on 146-9.

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Sri Lanka’s chase unraveled early under relentless pressure from England’s pace and spin. Jofra Archer struck twice in the powerplay to remove both openers, including Pathum Nissanka, while Jacks delivered a decisive spell of 3 for 22, leaving the hosts reeling at 34 for five inside six overs.

Captain Dasun Shanaka fought back with a brisk 30 off 24 balls, but lacked support as Sri Lanka collapsed for 95. Adil Rashid and the fielding unit completed the job with sharp execution.

England captain Harry Brook, celebrating his 27th birthday, termed the win a “perfect birthday gift,” praising his side’s discipline on a challenging surface. Player of the Match Will Jacks said the team backed its bowling despite posting a below-par total, while Shanaka admitted the defeat was a major setback in a World Cup format.