Fans react as Will Jacks’ spin masterclass powers England to dominant Super 8 win over Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup 2026

England delivered a clinical all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 51 runs in the Super 8 Group 2 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. After posting 146/9 in their 20 overs, England’s bowlers bundled Sri Lanka out for just 95 in 16.4 overs to register a commanding victory. Will Jacks was named Player of the Match for his impactful contribution with both bat and ball.

Phil Salt anchors England innings amid regular setbacks

Asked to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss, England had a steady but cautious start. Phil Salt stood tall at the top of the order, playing a composed knock of 62 off 40 balls, striking six boundaries and two sixes. While Salt found fluency, wickets kept falling at the other end.

Jos Buttler struggled for rhythm and managed just seven runs, while Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton failed to convert their starts. Harry Brook injected some momentum with a quick 14 off seven balls, but Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling ensured England never truly broke free.

Jacks added a valuable 21 off 14 balls, hitting four crisp boundaries, while late contributions from Sam Curran and Jamie Overton pushed England to 146/9 at the end of their innings.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept things tight throughout. Dunith Wellalage was particularly impressive, claiming three wickets for 26 runs in his four overs. Maheesh Theekshana picked up two wickets while conceding just 21 runs, and Dilshan Madushanka also struck twice to keep England under pressure.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Dasun Shanaka’s bullet throw removes Tom Banton in SL vs ENG Super 8 showdown

Will Jacks dismantle Sri Lanka’s chase

Chasing 147, Sri Lanka never found stability in their innings. Early breakthroughs from Jofra Archer and Liam Dawson dented the top order. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis failed to build momentum, and Sri Lanka slipped into trouble inside the powerplay.

Dasun Shanaka attempted a counterattack with a fighting 30 off 24 balls, including two sixes, while Kamindu Mendis chipped in with 13. However, regular wickets halted any hopes of a comeback.

Jacks turned the game decisively with the ball, claiming three wickets for 22 runs in his four overs. His spell dismantled Sri Lanka’s middle order at a crucial stage. Adil Rashid was equally effective, finishing with two wickets for just 13 runs in 3.4 overs, while Dawson and Archer chipped in with two wickets each. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 95 in 16.4 overs, handing England a comprehensive 51-run win.

Here’s how fans reacted

🎯🔥 Will Jacks spins the game England’s way! 💥 A match-turning spell with the ball earns him the Player of the Match award 🏆👏 Clutch performance when it mattered most! 💪🏏#T20WorldCup2026 #ENGvsSL #WillJacks pic.twitter.com/8VnWW4VHR0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 22, 2026

England have basically got through this Wc so far by winning ugly. A bunch of their big guns misfiring. The likes of Will Jacks, Sam Curran and Liam Dawson getting them out of trouble. The question is whether they can click in the next couple of games.
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) February 22, 2026

Will Jacks has already won three Player of the Match awards in this T20 World Cup. Man is having a tournament to remember. pic.twitter.com/bzDfnihg0v
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 22, 2026

WILL JACKS WINS HIS 3RD POTM AWARD OF 2026 T20 WORLD CUP 🏏 #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
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) February 22, 2026

Saved against Nepal with the bat
Saved against Italy with the bat
Helped them comeback against Sri Lanka with the ball
Will 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 the T20 WC 2026. He has not put a foot wrong so far, carrying this struggling team almost singlehandedly.
He scored crucial runs when team looked down & out, he picked wickets when no one give him a real chance. He is… pic.twitter.com/Er8Hafhbyc
— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) February 22, 2026