Colombo, Feb 22 (NationPress) England showcased a masterful all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights match, dismissing the hosts for a mere 95 runs in 16.4 overs after scoring 146/9 in a thrilling contest.

On a pitch favorable to bowlers, England’s spinners dominated the game, creating a relentless middle-overs pressure that left Sri Lanka struggling. The hosts' chase faltered drastically during a tumultuous powerplay, collapsing to 34/5, marking their second-lowest powerplay score of this tournament among full member nations.

Jofra Archer set the stage by taking out Pathum Nissanka with a cleverly devised trap at deep mid-wicket, followed by the dismissal of Kamil Mishara. However, it was Will Jacks who truly dismantled the innings.

The off-spinner made an impact in the fourth over, claiming the crucial wicket of Kusal Mendis caught and bowled, and added Dunith Wellalage to end with remarkable figures of 3/22, becoming the first England spinner to achieve three wickets in a T20I powerplay.

With spin bowling from both ends, Liam Dawson also contributed, taking out Kamindu Mendis and executing a sharp caught-and-bowled dismissal. A strange hit-wicket incident from Dushan Hemantha further emphasized Sri Lanka’s collapse under pressure.

By the time the scoreboard read 53/6, the match was virtually decided, despite a brief resurgence from captain Dasun Shanaka. The right-handed batsman hit two sixes in his 30 off 24 balls, trying to spark a comeback. Nonetheless, Adil Rashid’s cunning bowling proved critical. The leg-spinner dismissed Shanaka with an impressive relay catch in the deep and cleaned up the tail with his signature wrong ’un.

Rashid fittingly concluded the match, bowling Dilshan Madushanka through the gate and igniting celebrations as Sri Lanka was bowled out for 95, marking their lowest total against England in T20 World Cups.

Earlier, England faced challenges in building their innings after being put in to bat. Phil Salt’s 62 off 40 balls was the bedrock of their total, but tight bowling from Wellalage (3-26) and Maheesh Theekshana (2-21) limited them to 146/9.

That score, however, was more than sufficient as England’s spinners expertly stifled the Sri Lankan chase, extending their winning streak over Sri Lanka to a remarkable 12 consecutive T20I victories in their head-to-head encounters.

Brief scores: England 146/9 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 62; Dunith Wellalage 3-26, Maheesh Theekshana 2-21) beat Sri Lanka 95/10 in 16.4 overs (Dasun Shanaka 30; Will Jacks 3-22, Adil Rashid 2-13, Jofra Archer 2-20) by 51 runs.