England defended a modest target of 129 to beat Sri Lanka by 12 runs, completing a 3-0 sweep in their T20 series and heading into the World Cup with strong momentum.
Sam Curran played a standout innings, scoring a career-best 58 after England’s top order collapsed, helping the team reach 128-9. The bowlers then stepped up, with Will Jacks taking 3-14 and Jacob Bethell finishing with 4-11, including three wickets in a single over, as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 116.
England struggled early, with opener Ben Duckett out for a golden duck, and Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, and Harry Brook all scoring under 10 before Curran stabilized the innings. Sri Lanka fought back, with Dushmantha Chameera taking 5-24, including Curran’s wicket off the second-to-last ball.
Luke Wood and Liam Dawson took early wickets on a tricky pitch, and Adil Rashid and Will Jacks removed Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake in consecutive deliveries. Sri Lanka were still favourites at 90-4, but Jacks struck again, dismissing Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage. Bethell then took control, taking three quick wickets in the 18th over and finishing the match by bowling Maheesh Theekshana in the final over.
England’s win set a record for the lowest total they have ever successfully defended in T20 cricket. They begin their World Cup campaign against Nepal on Sunday, 8 February (09:30 GMT).
