T20 World Cup: England bowlers complete win over Sri Lanka

A brilliant bowling performance breathed life into England’s T20 World Cup campaign as Harry Brook’s side beat co-hosts Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their opening match of the Super 8s stage.

England remained unconvincing with the bat in posting 146-9 but their bowlers took full advantage of the difficult surface to bowl out their hosts for 95.

Jofra Archer dismissed key batsman Pathum Nissanka and fellow opener Kamil Mishara, but what was more impressive was the three wickets of all-rounder Will Jacks inside the powerplay.

Jack, who has struggled with the ball at times in this tournament, removed Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake in successive deliveries and added the scalp of Donith Willalage as Sri Lanka collapsed to 34-5 under the pressure of the chase.

After Kamindu Mendis returned the ball to Liam Dawson and Dushan Hemantha hit his own wicket, Jax combined with Tom Banton to complete a fine catch in succession on the boundary to dismiss Dason Shanaka, Sri Lanka’s captain and last established batsman, for 30.

That England’s batting is far from perfect has been postponed for another day. Jos Buttler made a torturous seven off 14 balls, Jacob Bethell fell to a massive knock and Tom Banton himself was run out.

62 and 21 to Phil Salt from Jack, who was the second highest scorer in a superb all-round display, were decisive.

England will play Pakistan on Tuesday and New Zealand on Friday in their remaining Super 8 matches.

Two wins would guarantee a place in the semi-finals. One may be enough.