In a low-scoring encounter at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, England successfully defended a modest total to beat Sri Lanka By 12 runs. Despite a mediocre crash caused by a vintage performance Dushmantha ChameeraThe British Lions roared back with unexpected bowling heroics Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks.
Dushmantha Chameera destroys England’s batting line-up in the first innings
The third and final T20I began with high drama as Sri Lanka’s pace leader Chameera produced one of the most devastating spells of his career. Opting to bowl first, the Sri Lankan attack took advantage of the early moisture on the Pallekele surface. Chameera struck with her second delivery, trapped Ben Duckett lbw for a duck.
The collapse continued as Chameera’s English shot snapped her spine. He finished with the astonishing figures of 5/24, eliminating the heavy hitters Sam Curran and Jamie Overton during death endings. England then found themselves reeling back at 47/5 If Buttler It fell to 25. A brave, calculated 58 off 48 balls from Curran as England managed to crawl to a total of 128/9. While the total looked low for modern times, the sluggish nature of the pitch suggested that the chase would be simple.
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Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks stifled Sri Lanka to complete the sweep
He started with a characteristic feat of 129 in Sri Lanka’s chase Pathum Nissanka He raced to 23 from 12 balls. At 46/2 after the Powerplay, the hosts looked comfortably on track to wrap up the series. However, the introduction of England’s part-time spinners completely turned the script upside down.
Will Jacks Started to squeeze, bowling with incredible discipline to finish with 3/14 in his four overs. His scalp includes dangerous ones Where in Mandy (26) and Kamindu MendisEffectively eliminating the engine room of the Sri Lankan middle order. The pressure was palpable as the required run rate rose.
It was hammered by the last nail in the coffin Jacob Bethell. In a career-defining spell, Bethell came through the bottom order, finishing with incredible figures of 4/11 at just 3.3. He caused a sensational collapse in which Sri Lanka lost their last four wickets for just four runs. From 112/6, the hosts were bundled out for 116 in 19.3 overs.
England’s ability to defend 128 serves as a tactical masterclass in white-ball cricket. Relying on Jacks and Bethell’s rotation over traditional tempo options in the latter stages, Harry Brooke‘s side proved that adaptation is their greatest weapon.
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