Hara-kiri at Pallekele! Sri Lanka batters surrender meekly after Phil Salt's sublime 62; England win by 51 runs
Times of India
by PRATYUSH RAJFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
England outclassed Sri Lanka in a thrilling T20 World Cup clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, winning by 51 runs. Despite a strong bowling effort from Sri Lanka, England's batting showcased composure and adaptability. Phil Salt delivered a masterclass with his unbeaten 62, guiding England to a competitive total of 146 for 9. However, Sri Lanka's chase unraveled quickly, as their batters failed to capitalize on favorable conditions, collapsing under persistent pressure.
Sri Lanka's bowling lineup, featuring Dilshan Madushanka, Dunith Wellalage, and Maheesh Theekshana, initially dominated England. Their disciplined approach and varied strategies kept England's total modest. Yet, Sri Lanka's inability to chase effectively proved costly. Salt's fluent knock was pivotal for England, as he battled cramps and maintained composure under pressure. His partnership with Harry Brook stabilized the innings, allowing England to reach 100 in the middle overs despite losing key players.
Sri Lanka's batting collapse was rapid and poorly executed, with wickets tumbling at a alarming rate. Their decision to go all out with aggressive fields backfired, as England's spinners tightened their grip. Wellalage's three-wicket haul highlighted Sri Lanka's struggles in both bowling and fielding. The loss, coupled with their previous defeat by Zimbabwe, dealt a significant blow to Sri Lanka's semifinal hopes.
This match underscores the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and highlights the importance of consistent batting under pressure. England's tactical flexibility and key performances from Salt positioned them as strong contenders in their group stage. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's inability to capitalize on their early strengths may jeopardize their tournament campaign.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026