Third T20 international, Pallekele
England 128-9 (20 overs): Curran 58 (48); Chameera 5-24
Sri Lanka 116 (19.3 overs): Kusal Mendis 26 (26); Bethell 4-11, Jacks 3-14
England won by 12 runs; won series 3-0
England completed a dramatic 3–0 T20 series sweep in Sri Lanka as Jacob Bethell’s 4 for 11 triggered a stunning late collapse, sealing a 12-run victory in Pallekele. Defending just 128, Harry Brook’s side produced their lowest successful defence in T20 internationals — and extended their winning run over Sri Lanka in this format to 11 consecutive matches.
This was not merely a close finish but a showcase of England’s depth and adaptability on turning pitches, just days before the T20 World Cup.
Curran Stands Tall After England’s Top-Order Collapse
England’s innings unravelled almost immediately. Phil Salt was ruled out in the warm-up with a back spasm, prompting a late recall for Ben Duckett, who was dismissed first ball. Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton and Harry Brook soon followed, leaving England reeling at 34 for four and later 60 for six on a surface offering sharp turn and uneven bounce.
Amid the chaos, Sam Curran delivered a composed 58 from 48 balls, his second T20I half-century, anchoring the innings when acceleration was nearly impossible. A steady 47-run stand with Liam Dawson dragged England to 128 for nine — a total that felt fragile but ultimately proved decisive.
Sri Lanka Start Fast Before Spin Turns the Match
Sri Lanka launched their chase positively, reaching 46 for two inside the powerplay, with Pathum Nissanka striking cleanly and Kusal Mendis settling quickly. But the game pivoted sharply in the ninth over.
Adil Rashid’s googly bowled Pavan Rathnayake, and the very next delivery saw Kusal Mendis caught at short leg by Rashid off Will Jacks, attempting an ambitious paddle sweep. Suddenly, Sri Lanka were 62 for four, and the contest was wide open.
Will Jacks Applies the Squeeze in the Middle Overs
Operating with control and subtle drift, Will Jacks finished with 3 for 14, removing Kamindu Mendis lbw before tempting Janith Liyanage into a slog sweep, which was safely held in the deep. With runs drying up and pressure mounting, Sri Lanka slipped to 97 for six, still needing 32 from the final four overs.
England’s spinners — Rashid, Dawson, Jacks and Bethell — were now dictating every phase, forcing risks rather than conceding boundaries.
Buttler’s Flying Catch Sparks the Turning Point
The decisive moment arrived in the 18th over, bowled by Jacob Bethell, who until then had been England’s sixth or seventh bowling option — and a surprise choice as death bowler.
First ball: Dunith Wellalage struck the ball into his pad, and Jos Buttler launched himself forward for a brilliant low catch, a moment that swung momentum decisively. The very next deliveries saw Dushmantha Chameera caught in the covers and Dasun Shanaka stumped, undone by sharp turn and quicker pace through the air.
In the space of five balls, Sri Lanka collapsed from contention to chaos.
Bethell Closes It Out as England Seal the Sweep
Entrusted with the final over, Bethell completed the job when Maheesh Theekshana top-edged to short third, sealing Sri Lanka’s dismissal for 116 in 19.3 overs and confirming England’s 12-run win.
Bethell’s final figures — 4 for 11 — crowned a remarkable evening for England’s secondary spinners, supported by Jacks’ 3 for 14 and Rashid’s relentless control.
A Victory That Signals World Cup Readiness
This was England’s lowest successful defence in T20 cricket, achieved on a worn surface where timing was treacherous and margins razor-thin. More significantly, it marked their 11th straight T20 win over Sri Lanka, underlining a growing dominance in the format.
Captain Harry Brook called it “one of the most fun wins I’ve ever had”, praising his side’s resilience and adaptability, while Curran’s all-round influence — Player of the Match and Series — reinforced his place in England’s top six.
On a night when batters struggled, England’s spinners thrived — and in Jacob Bethell, they may have uncovered an unexpected weapon just in time for the World Cup.
