Clinical England outclass Sri Lanka in spin battle

England secured a resounding 51-run victory over Sri Lanka in their first Super Eight clash of the T20 World Cup in Pallekele. On a slow surface, Sri Lanka's spinners initially restricted England to 146/9, but England's spin attack, led by Will Jacks, turned the tables decisively.

Sri Lanka chose to bowl after winning the toss, a decision vindicated early. Dilshan Madushanka troubled Jos Buttler, and Dunith Wellalage struck first, trapping Buttler lbw. Maheesh Theekshana claimed Jacob Bethell in the Powerplay. Tom Banton was run out, and Harry Brook fell lbw to Wellalage, leaving England at 68/4 at the halfway mark.

Phil Salt anchored England's innings, scoring over half his team's runs at one stage. He hit a six off Wellalage early and struck boundaries off Madushanka and Dushan Hemantha. Salt reached his half-century, and Sam Curran added a six off Hemantha, but Dushmantha Chameera removed Curran with a slower ball. Salt counterattacked with a four and six off consecutive deliveries, but Wellalage returned to dismiss him, helping Sri Lanka regain control.

In the final overs, Will Jacks provided crucial boundaries. Madushanka closed his spell by taking Jacks and Jofra Archer in the penultimate over, keeping England under 150.

With the ball, Jacks and Archer devastated Sri Lanka's top order in the Powerplay. Pathum Nissanka fell to a trap at deep midwicket. Jacks then took consecutive wickets to remove Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake. Kamil Mishara edged Archer to gully. Wellalage hit two boundaries in the Powerplay's final over, but Jacks had him caught at mid-on. Sri Lanka ended the Powerplay at 34/5, their chase in tatters.

Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis each hit a six, but Mendis chipped a catch back to Liam Dawson. At 53/6 after nine overs, Adil Rashid had yet to bowl. Shanaka offered brief resistance, but Hemantha was dismissed hit-wicket, and Shanaka was caught after a combined effort from Jacks and Tom Banton near the boundary. Dawson and Rashid then took a wicket each to complete the win.

The margin of defeat increases pressure on Sri Lanka, especially with Pakistan and New Zealand each having a point from a washout.

Brief scores:
England 146/9 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 62, Will Jacks 21; Dunith Wellalage 3/26, Maheesh Theekshana 2/21)
Sri Lanka 95 in 16.4 overs (Dasun Shanaka 30; Will Jacks 3/22, Adil Rashid 2/13)
England won by 51 runs