England put in a clinical all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka Super 8 Group 2. 51 runs in the fight ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 At Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. After scoring 146/9 in 20 overs, England’s bowlers bowled out Sri Lanka for just 95 in 16.4 overs to claim a big victory. Will Jacks adjudged Man of the Match for his impressive contribution with both bat and ball.
Phil Salt anchors the England innings amid regular setbacks
Asked to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss, England got off to a steady but cautious start. Phil Salt He stood tall at the top of the order, playing an innings of 62 off 40 balls, hitting six boundaries and two sixes. Even though the salt found fluidity, the doors continued to fall at the other end.
If Buttler struggled for rhythm and managed just seven runs Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton they couldn’t convert their starters. Harry Brooke A quick 14 off seven balls provided some momentum, but Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling ensured England were never really free.
Jacks added a valuable 21 off 14 balls, hitting four crisp boundaries and making late contributions. Sam Curran and Jamie Overton Pushed England to 146/9 at the end of the innings.
Sri Lanka’s boulderers kept things tight. Dunith Wellalage He was particularly impressive, claiming three wickets from four for 26 runs. Mahesh Theekshana picked up two wickets for just 21 runs and Dilshan Madushanka He also struck twice to keep England under pressure.
Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Dasun Shanaka’s shot dismisses Tom Banton in SL vs ENG Super 8
Will Jacks dismantle Sri Lanka’s chase?
Chasing 147, Sri Lanka never found stability in their innings. Early advances Jofra Archer and Liam Dawson cut off the top order. Pathum Nissanka and Where in Mandy failed to generate momentum and Sri Lanka ran into trouble in the power play.
Dasun Shanaka He attempted a counter-attack by fighting 30 off 24 balls, including two sixes Kamindu Mendis chipped with 13. However, regular wickets stopped any hope of a turnaround.
Jacks turned the game decisively with the ball, claiming three wickets for 22 runs in four overs. His spell destroyed Sri Lanka’s middle order at the crucial stage. Adil Rashid was equally impressive, finishing with two wickets for just 13 runs in 3.4 overs, while Dawson and Archer claimed two wickets each. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 95 in 16.4 overs to give England a comprehensive 51-run win.
Here’s the fan reaction
🎯🔥 Will Jacks will turn the game England’s way! 💥 Match-changing magic with the ball earns him Player of the Match 🏆👏 Clutch performance when it matters most! 💪🏏#T20WorldCup2026 #ENGvsSL #WillJacks pic.twitter.com/8VnWW4VHR0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 22, 2026
England have gone through this WC with an ugly win so far. A bunch of their big guns misfire. The likes of Will Jacks, Sam Curran and Liam Dawson bail them out. The question is whether they can click in the next few games.
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) February 22, 2026
Will Jacks has already won three Man of the Match awards in this T20 World Cup. Man holds a tournament to remember. pic.twitter.com/bzDfnihg0v
— RATNISH (@LoyalSachinFan) February 22, 2026
WILL JACKS TO WIN 2026 T20 WORLD CUMBOOK 3rd POTM AWARD 🏏 #SLvsENG #T20WorldCup2026 #ENGvsSL pic.twitter.com/JuBcQrK9gG
— ViratKoisa (@ViratKoisaAxom) February 22, 2026
Will Jacks is having a day to remember in Kandy! 👑
🇱🇰 8️⃣2️⃣-8️⃣#T20WorldCup
— The Barmy Army of England 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) February 22, 2026
Got saved with the bat against Nepal
Got a save with the bat against Italy
Helped them come back with the ball against Sri LankaWill Jacks is the savior for England this T20 World Cup 🥶pic.twitter.com/rzHKit2rJQ
— PeterParker🐉 (@helioseid) February 22, 2026
Will Jacks has been a revelation for this English side in T20 WC 2026. So far, he has taken this fight alone and has not taken any steps.
He scored crucial runs when the team looked down and out, picking wickets when nobody gave him a real chance. He… pic.twitter.com/Er8Hafhbyc
— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) February 22, 2026
Will Jacks saves England most of the time.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 22, 2026
When did Will Jacks become Murali?
— Andrew Moon (@mrandrewmoon) February 22, 2026
WILL JACKS MVP
— | + LY10 + | (@MagicalWrists) February 22, 2026
