T20 World Cup: England bowlers complete victory over Sri Lanka
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
England's T20 World Cup campaign got off to a strong start with a commanding 51-run victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka in their opening Super 8s match. Despite an unimpressive batting performance that saw them post 146-9, England's bowlers stepped up magnificently, capitalizing on a challenging pitch to restrict Sri Lanka to 95. Jofra Archer and Will Jacks were standout performers, with Jacks taking three wickets in the powerplay, including key dismissals of Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake, and later dismissing Dunith Wellalage.
Sri Lanka's batting lineup crumbled under the intense pressure applied by England's bowlers. After Jofra Archer dismissed Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara early on, Sri Lanka lost momentum as Will Jacks continued his impressive form with three quick wickets. The tourists' collapse accelerated when Kamindu Mendis and Dushan Hemantha fell to poor shots, and a brilliant relay catch by Tom Banton and Liam Dawson sealed the dismissal of Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka's captain, for 30 runs. By the end, Sri Lanka were reduced to 34-5, with their batting efforts falling short despite some resistance from Shanaka.
England's batting remained inconsistent, with Jos Buttler struggling to score and Tom Banton running himself out. However, Phil Salt's steady 62 and Will Jacks' all-round contribution of 21 runs proved crucial in giving England a competitive total. Despite their batting flaws, the bowlers' stellar performance ensured a comfortable win. The victory sets England on course for progression to the semi-finals, with upcoming matches against Pakistan and New Zealand pivotal to their hopes.
This match highlights the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and underscores the importance of a balanced team performance. While England's batting remains a concern, their bowling attack proved decisive in this clash. For Sri Lanka, despite their early promise, poor shot selection and inability to capitalize on partnerships led to their collapse. The result reinforces the high
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026