Colombo : England defeated Sri Lanka by 51 runs in Group 2 Super 8 clash.
After electing to field first, Sri Lanka used the home conditions well to restrict England to 146/9. But their chase never took off, as the hosts found themselves in trouble at 34/5 in powerplay. On a slow pitch, the co-hosts offered little resistance and were skittled out for 95 in 16.4 overs.
England’s gamble of bringing Will Jacks early in the innings paid off, with the off-spinner delivering an incredible spell of 3/22 in four overs. Jacks had also scored a vital 21 runs and was adjudged the Player of the Match for his all-round show.
Jofra Archer, meanwhile, drew the first blood by sending the in-form Pathum Nissanka back. Archer finished with 2/20 in three overs, while Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson also picked up two wickets.
Captain Dasun Shanaka (30) was the only batter to make a substantial contribution.
Earlier in the day, England also struggled with the bat.
Jos Buttler’s agonising stay at the wicket ended as he was trapped lbw to Dunith Wellalage after an attempted switch hit while Jacob Bethell was dismissed after taking a wild swing on the first ball off Maheesh Theekshana. England had only 37/2 to show in powerplay.
Tom Banton added to the early nerves as he was run out, courtesy a direct hit from skipper Dasun Shanaka.
The home team is growing in confidence, and have rotated their spin options superbly in conducive conditions. Left-arm spinner Wellalage was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3/26, while Theekshana and pacer Dilshan Madushanka claimed two wickets apiece.
Phil Salt was the only one, so far, who has withstood the pressure, bringing up a half-century off 36 balls. But the opener started to struggle physically and was dismissed for 62, with the help of six fours and two sixes. Will Jacks’ defiant but brief innings lasted only 14 balls, with the lower-batter batter contributing 21.
Brief Scorecard –
1st Innings :
ENG : 146-9 (20)
2nd Innings :
SL : 95 (16.4)
Result : England won by 51 runs.
