England travelled to Pallekele with the knowledge of how crucial margin is in a tightly packed Super Eight. They departed with just over two points; however, they also left with authority.
On an extremely humid evening, England posted 146 for 9 after being asked to bat first. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 95 in response, and as a result, England climbed to first position in Group 2 and therefore also improved their net run rate whilst restoring some control to their campaign.
Salt Steadies England Innings
Sri Lanka opted to field first. England struggled due to some very good bowling and clever field placements that meant they remained relatively contained until reaching 37 for 2 in the powerplay. Jos Buttler was bowled out on just his 7th run during this time, getting trapped LBW by Dunith Wellalage.
Phil Salt was the only batsman able to produce a successful effort for England, as he scored a quick-fire 62 off just 36 balls, allowing England to finish with a total of 146. Apart from Salt, no other batsman was able to score above 21. Three of Wellalage’s wickets were extremely critical, in that he took the wickets of Jos Buttler, Harry Brook and Phil Salt, with all three coming at very critical times throughout the innings. In addition, Dilshan Madushanka and Maheesh Theekshana bowled well to support Wellalage throughout the course of the innings.
England’s lack of runs at this point left them looking light. With the ball having some grass on the pitch, the distance boundaries were now starting to look even further! Sri Lanka could see an opportunity!
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Jacks Turns The Tide
Will Jacks was then put in charge. He bowled four of the first eight overs with the new ball, taking three wickets for 22 runs in that period. His wickets were of Kusal Mendis, who chipped back to him, in addition to Pavan Rathnayake, who holed out, and Wellalage, who didn’t clear mid-on.
Jofra Archer also chipped in by taking 2 for 20 and the wicket of Pathum Nissanka, who was out cheaply flicking to deep midwicket. Sri Lanka staggered to 34 for 5 after six overs, with the run chase falling apart due to poor shot selections and poor choices.
Dasun Shanaka provided some resistance with 30 runs from two clean sixes, but he was ultimately also dismissed when he looked for a third. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 95 in 100 legal deliveries.
With bat and ball, Jacks has shaped this tournament. His earlier performances have shown exactly why he is such an important member of the team, and he now provided England with something that can only be described as insurance. England had trusted him to open their bowling attack, and he repaid their confidence.
Questions and context
Buttler continues with a poor run of form, having only averaged 12 runs in this year’s campaign. Even though the English team will be supporting him, he’s very much going to be relied on to produce runs for the top order, as there won’t be much support for him with Salt batting at the other end.
On the Sri Lankan side, Wellalage has demonstrated his ability as a member of the team. Despite being only 23 years old, he possesses great skill and was able to show great poise throughout the game. However, losing this match has pushed Sri Lanka deeper into a 12-match losing streak against England and severely undercut their chances to reach the semi-finals.
England can now move ahead with conviction towards the semi-finals.The total of 146 looked below par at the halfway stage. England’s playing style is important in this type of format, as they show great skill with both their own play and a great amount of confidence in their opponents’ style of play.
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