Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Sri Lanka lost to England by 51 runs in their opening Super Eight fixture of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, in Kandy on Sunday.
In the Group 2 fixture, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first, aiming to take advantage of the home conditions and spin-friendly pitch. However, the plan backfired as English bowlers, particularly their spinners and part-timers, dismantled the Lankan batting lineup. England posted a modest total of 146/9 in their 20 overs. In reply, Sri Lanka were bundled out for just 95 runs in 16.4 overs.
Opener Phil Salt top-scored for the visitors with a brisk 62. Although wickets fell regularly at the other end, he remained calm and took the score past 100. Will Jacks contributed 21 off 14, Sam Curran scored 11, and Jamie Overton remained unbeaten at 10. Other English batters failed to reach double digits.
Dunith Wellalage picked up three wickets for Sri Lanka, while Dislahn Madushanka and Maheesh Theekshana claimed one each. Dushmantha Chameera also chipped in with a wicket.
Despite chasing a modest total in home conditions, Sri Lanka’s innings unraveled dramatically. They lost in-form opener Pathum Nissanka (9) in the third over, and their top four batters all failed to reach double digits. Captain Dasun Shanaka top-scored for Sri Lanka with a 24-ball 30, Kamindu Mendis made 13, and Wellalage and Theekshana contributed 10 each. Other Sri Lankan batters failed to reach double figures.
For England, Will Jacks claimed three wickets, while Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, and Adil Rashid picked up two each. Jamie Overton also added a wicket.
England will face Pakistan next, while Sri Lanka will take on New Zealand in their next Super Eight fixture.
