'Played poor shots': Sri Lanka captain blasts batters after Super 8 defeat against England in T20 World Cup
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 22, 2026
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Sri Lanka suffered a disappointing 51-run defeat to England in their opening Super Eight match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Despite a strong bowling effort, Sri Lanka's batting failed to capitalize on favorable conditions, leading to their second loss in the tournament. England's all-around performance, highlighted by Phil Salt's crucial 62-run innings and an effective bowling attack, secured their victory and extended their streak of 12 consecutive T20I wins against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka expressed frustration with his team's batting, particularly in critical moments during the chase. England's bowlers, including Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid, effectively restricted Sri Lanka to a below-par total of 95 runs. The hosts lost their top five wickets within the powerplay, struggling to recover despite Shanaka's valiant 30-run innings. This collapse marked a significant setback for Sri Lanka, who had previously performed well in the group stages.
England's balanced approach, featuring strong batting and disciplined bowling, showcased their World Cup credentials. Salt's explosive 62 off 40 balls laid the foundation for their total of 146, while Will Jacks and Sam Curran provided supporting runs. Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Dunith Wellalage with three wickets, put up a fight but ultimately couldn't prevent England from dominating the match.
Shanaka acknowledged the positives in his team's bowling but emphasized the need for improvement in batting to compete at this level. Sri Lanka faces an immediate challenge as they prepare to take on New Zealand in their next game, while England will aim to maintain their momentum against Pakistan. This result underscores the high stakes of the Super Eight stage and highlights the importance of consistency for both teams moving forward.
The match also highlighted the growing gap between the top-tier teams and the rest in the tournament. England's ability to perform under pressure, combined with Sri Lanka's inability to capitalize on opportunities, will be key factors as the
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026