Will Jacks Stars as England Bounce Back to Defeat Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup Super Eight

England reignited their T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 51 run victory over Sri Lanka in the Super Eight stage at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, thanks to a decisive all round performance from Will Jacks.

In a match that swung dramatically after the halfway mark, England were restricted to 146 for nine in their 20 overs, a total that initially appeared below par on a slow surface. Sri Lanka’s bowlers applied consistent pressure, reducing England to 68 for four at the midway point and keeping scoring opportunities limited.

Phil Salt provided the backbone of the innings with a brisk 62 from 36 balls, bringing up his half century in confident fashion before falling in the 15th over. Jos Buttler struggled to find rhythm and was dismissed for seven after being trapped leg before wicket attempting a reverse shot. Spinner Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana played key roles in tightening the screws during the middle overs.

Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell were also unable to convert their starts, and Tom Banton was run out attempting a risky single. With wickets falling at regular intervals, England needed late contributions to push towards a competitive total. Jacks added a useful 21 runs down the order, helping England approach the 150 mark before their innings closed at 146.

Sri Lanka began their chase with confidence, having chosen to field first after winning the toss. However, their pursuit unravelled quickly against disciplined English bowling. Jofra Archer struck early, removing the in form Pathum Nissanka, and England seized momentum inside the powerplay.

Jacks then turned the contest firmly in England’s favour. Bowling with control and variation, he dismissed Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake in quick succession before claiming his third wicket of Wellalage. Sri Lanka collapsed to 22 for four and never recovered from the early damage.

Archer continued to apply pressure, and the hosts slipped to 34 for five as England’s bowlers maintained relentless accuracy. Dushan Hemantha’s hit wicket dismissal summed up Sri Lanka’s struggles on a challenging pitch where timing proved difficult.

Captain Dasun Shanaka offered brief resistance with a defiant 30, but England’s fielding remained sharp. Jacks was involved again, relaying a catch in the deep to remove Shanaka and effectively end Sri Lanka’s hopes of a comeback.

Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 95 inside 17 overs, handing England a comprehensive victory that strengthens their position in Group 2 of the Super Eight stage.

The result underscores England’s depth, with contributions coming from both experienced campaigners and emerging players. For Sri Lanka, the defeat highlights the need for greater consistency in high pressure matches as the tournament moves into its decisive phase.