England kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 campaign with a bang, outclassing Sri Lanka at Pallekele thanks to Will Jacks’ sensational bowling. The star all-rounder’s 3 wickets for 22 runs earned him Player of the Match honors and sparked celebrations in the English camp.
‘I enjoy shouldering responsibility with the ball—it drives me,’ Jacks said after the win. His words reflected a mindset that propelled England from a modest 145 to a convincing triumph. Powerplay strikes from Jofra Archer paved the way, but it was Jacks’ middle-over wizardry that sealed the deal.
Recent experience against Sri Lanka on this very ground gave England an edge. ‘We understand the pitch’s spin-friendly nature,’ Jacks explained. ‘Hitting the ball hard into the surface worked wonders.’
Jacks wasn’t done there—his 21-run knock off 14 deliveries provided crucial momentum. Reflecting on the tournament so far, he acknowledged group-stage inconsistencies but emphasized this win’s momentum-building potential. ‘We’re buzzing after this. Defending 145 wasn’t easy, but our bowling clicked perfectly.’
With Super 8 now underway, Jacks’ dual impact positions England as serious contenders, ready to spin their way through the competition.