In a thrilling Super 8 clash during the T20 World Cup 2026, England triumphed over Sri Lanka by 51 runs at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Chasing a target of 147 runs, Sri Lanka struggled and was bowled out for just 95 runs in 16.4 overs. Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka fell early, scoring only nine runs off eight balls, which included two boundaries. Kamil Mishara managed six runs in 11 balls with a boundary, while wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis contributed four runs off four balls. Pavan Rathnayake unfortunately went out without scoring on his first ball.
Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis also couldn’t make significant contributions, scoring 10 and 13 runs, respectively. Wellalage hit two boundaries in his 10-ball innings, while Mendis struck a boundary and a six in his 11-ball effort. Skipper Dasun Shanaka provided some resistance with a score of 30 off 24 balls, including one boundary and two sixes. The tail-enders, Dushan Hemantha and Dushmantha Chameera, added five and six runs, respectively, with Dilshan Madushanka departing for a duck. Maheesh Theekshana remained unbeaten on 10 runs off eight balls, featuring a boundary.
Will Jacks was the standout performer for England, taking three wickets for 22 runs in four overs. Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, and Adil Rashid each contributed with two wickets, while Jamie Overton chipped in with one.
Batting first, England’s Phil Salt was instrumental, scoring 62 runs off 40 deliveries, which included six boundaries and two sixes. Jos Buttler managed to score seven runs from 14 balls, while Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton added three and six runs, respectively. Skipper Harry Brook contributed 14 runs from seven balls, including a boundary. Sam Curran made 11 runs off 11 balls with a six, and Will Jacks added 21 runs off 14 balls, featuring four boundaries. Liam Dawson and Jamie Overton rounded off the innings with six runs off 11 balls and 10 runs off 10 balls, respectively. Consequently, England set a total of 146 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets for 26 runs in four overs. Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka each took two wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera secured one. Dushan Hemantha was unable to take a wicket in this encounter against England.