Sri Lanka dismissed for 95 in 16.4 overs as England begin Super Eights campaign in commanding fashion
England secured a comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka after defending a modest total of 146 in their opening Super Eights fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Asked to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, England posted 146 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. Phil Salt led the scoring with 62 from 40 balls, striking six fours and two sixes. He brought up his half-century from 36 deliveries and held the innings together during the middle overs.
Dunith Wellalage returned figures of three for 26, while Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka claimed two wickets apiece to restrict England. At one stage England were 68 for four, and later 94 for five, before late contributions from Will Jacks and Jamie Overton carried the total to 146.
In reply, Sri Lanka faltered early and never recovered. The top order collapsed inside the Powerplay, slipping to 34 for five. Jofra Archer removed Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, while Will Jacks struck three times to dent the middle order.
Dasun Shanaka offered resistance with 30 from 24 balls, but lacked support at the other end. Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 95 in 16.4 overs, falling 51 runs short of the target.
Adil Rashid returned two for 13, Liam Dawson claimed two wickets, and England’s bowlers maintained steady pressure throughout. The victory hands England a strong start to their Super Eights campaign.
