History was made in Pallekele during the T20 World Cup Super 8 showdown between Sri Lanka and England. Part-time spinner Will Jacks achieved the impossible, bagging three powerplay wickets to become England’s first-ever in that category.
His second over exploded with back-to-back dismissals of Mendis and Rathnayake; Wellalage fell soon after. Economical at 22 runs off four overs, Jacks shifted the game’s momentum decisively.
England’s 146-9 was propped by Salt’s flamboyant 62 (40 balls). Buttler scratched 7 off 14, Brook 14, as the lineup faltered post-powerplay. Sri Lanka’s bowlers excelled: Wellalage 3-26 (Buttler, Salt, Brook), Theekshana 2-21, Chameera 2-25.
Jacks’ batting flair shone through with 21 off 14 at 150 strike rate, rounding off a memorable day. This virtuoso act from the all-rounder has positioned England strongly, turning a modest total into a potential fortress. In T20’s unpredictable world, Jacks reminds us why all-round talents win tournaments.