Pallekele International Cricket Stadium witnessed an intense Group 2 Super 8 encounter in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, where England set Sri Lanka a target of 147 after being sent in to bat. Captain Dasun Shanaka’s decision to bowl first paid early dividends as England lost Jos Buttler cheaply for 7, following a modest 16-run opening stand with Phil Salt that lasted just 3.1 overs.
Salt emerged as the standout performer, anchoring the innings with his unbeaten 62 from 40 deliveries, laced with aggressive strokeplay including six boundaries and a couple of maximums. He stitched vital partnerships: 16 with Jacob Bethell, 17 with Tom Banton, and 19 with Harry Brook, before a productive 26-run alliance with Sam Curran.
Will Jacks provided late fireworks with 21 off 14 balls, but England lost 9 wickets in total. Dunith Wellalage was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers with 3/26, supported by Dilshan Madushanka and Maheesh Theekshana’s 2 wickets apiece. Dushmantha Chameera grabbed one. England’s squad, led by Harry Brook, features stars like Buttler, Curran, Jacks, Archer, and Rashid, ready to defend.
Sri Lanka, boasting Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, and their spin duo, will fancy their chances in the chase. This match could define group standings, with both teams eyeing semifinal spots.