England bowlers crush Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup Super Eight opener
Al Jazeera
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
England’s bowlers delivered a remarkable performance, securing a convincing 51-run victory over Sri Lanka in their T20 World Cup Super Eight opener at Pallekele. The match, which saw England restrict Sri Lanka to just 95 runs in under 17 overs, was highlighted by the stellar all-round contribution of Will Jacks. Despite a shaky start with the bat, where England struggled to 146-9, Jacks’ lower-order batting and economical bowling proved pivotal. He finished with figures of 3-22, including key dismissals that derailed Sri Lanka’s chase.
England’s innings was marked by poor form from their top order, who faltered under pressure. Jos Buttler, Tom Banton, and Harry Brook all fell cheaply, while Phil Salt provided a late charge with a rapid 62-run knock off 36 balls. However, Salt’s dismissal in the 15th over proved costly as England fell short of 150. Sri Lanka, despite an encouraging start with the ball, quickly unraveled under England’s relentless pressure.
Sri Lanka’s batting collapse was brutal, losing wickets at regular intervals. Key blows from Jacks and Jofra Archer disrupted their momentum, while spinner Maheesh Theekshana played a crucial role in dismissing England’s top scorers. Dasun Shanaka’s decision to field first seemed validated initially, but Sri Lanka’s inability to build partnerships led to their eventual demise. Jacks’ dismissal of Shanaka in the final overs sealed England’s victory, showcasing their superior bowling attack.
This win strengthens England’s position in the T20 World Cup as they aim for a卫冕之路. The performance highlights the depth and adaptability of their squad, despite challenges faced by key players. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will need to regroup ahead of their next match, addressing issues in their batting lineup to remain competitive in the tournament.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/22/2026