Dominance defined England’s 51-run victory over Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele. The result catapulted them to the summit of Super 8 Group 2 and loaded their trophy cabinet with fresh records.
Electing to bat, England compiled 146 in their full quota, driven by opener Phil Salt’s match-defining 62 from 40 deliveries, laced with six fours and a pair of sixes. Will Jacks accelerated with 21 off just 14 balls.
In reply, Sri Lanka stuttered to 95 all out chasing 147. Captain Dasun Shanaka fought with 30 runs, but Kaminidu Mendis’ 13 was scant support. England’s spin trio was phenomenal, taking seven wickets – establishing a new T20 World Cup benchmark. Will Jacks (3/22), Jofra Archer (2 wickets), and Adil Rashid (2 wickets) dismantled the lineup.
Highlights: Second-highest run-margin win for England in T20 WCs; 12th consecutive T20I triumph vs Sri Lanka; fourth-lowest T20I target defended by England; Sri Lanka’s third-worst WC score and second-lowest chased target defended against them.
As anticipation builds for the Pakistan showdown on February 24, England’s campaign is firing on all cylinders, blending Salt’s aggression with spin sorcery for a potent mix.