Kandy, February 22, 2026 – England produced a commanding performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, leaving the hosts reeling after a disappointing all-round display.
England Sets a Competitive Total
Opting to bat first, England struggled initially against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling in the Powerplay. The hosts picked up a couple of early wickets and kept the scoring rate under control. However, England’s middle order, led by Phil Salt, steadied the innings. Salt played a determined knock of 62 off 40 balls, while Will Jacks contributed with a crucial cameo. England posted a total of 146 runs, which proved sufficient to secure a comfortable victory.
Will Jacks Stars as Player of the Match
Will Jacks earned the Player of the Match award for his all-round brilliance, scoring 21 runs and taking 3 wickets for 22 runs. Jacks praised the team’s confidence, saying they are “buzzing right now.” He highlighted England’s knowledge of the Kandy pitch, the importance of disciplined bowling, and the freedom to trust their game plan. Jofra Archer also made a strong impact with the ball, providing early breakthroughs and maintaining pressure throughout the innings.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse
Sri Lanka’s chase fell apart despite early promise. The top order struggled, relying heavily on Pathum Nissanka for starts. The middle order showed some resistance, with skipper Dasun Shanaka scoring 30, but it was insufficient to challenge England’s total. Analysts noted Sri Lanka’s lack of all-round options, which made the chase increasingly difficult, leaving them with an uphill task to reach the semi-finals.
England’s Spin Dominance
England’s spinners continued their dominance on Sri Lankan soil. Will Jacks and Jofra Archer took key wickets in the Powerplay, with Jacks claiming a three-wicket haul. Later, Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid managed the middle overs efficiently, each taking two wickets. Rashid’s dismissal of Shanaka proved decisive. Even pacer Jamie Overton contributed by picking up a wicket, completing a well-rounded bowling performance.
England Maintains T20I Supremacy Over Sri Lanka
The victory highlights England’s long-standing success against Sri Lanka in T20 Internationals. Coming under pressure in the Super 8s, England executed their plans perfectly, while Sri Lanka endured a disappointing home defeat that will be hard to digest for both players and fans.