England produced a thrilling spin-dominated performance in Pallekele to defeat Sri Lanka by 12 runs in the third T20 international, completing a comprehensive 3–0 series whitewash and heading into the T20 World Cup full of confidence.
Defending a modest total of 128 for nine, England overturned the odds by bowling Sri Lanka out for 116 in 19.3 overs, setting a new national record for the lowest total they have ever successfully defended in men’s T20 internationals.
The victory was built on two standout performances: Sam Curran’s career-best 58 with the bat, which rescued England after a dramatic top-order collapse, and a combined spin assault led by Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks, who dismantled Sri Lanka’s chase at the death.
Curran rescues England after batting collapse
After winning the toss, England captain Harry Brook opted to bat on a surface that had been used multiple times during the series and was showing increasing signs of wear. The decision appeared questionable almost immediately.
Ben Duckett, replacing the injured Phil Salt, was trapped lbw without scoring from the third ball of the innings. Jacob Bethell edged behind soon after, while Tom Banton and Brook also departed cheaply, leaving England reeling at 34 for four inside the powerplay.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers sensed an opportunity and tightened the screws further. Jos Buttler was bowled by Maheesh Theekshana, while Will Jacks fell to Dushmantha Chameera as England slumped deeper into trouble.
With wickets tumbling at one end, Sam Curran anchored the innings with a calm and mature knock. The all-rounder played the conditions superbly, rotating the strike and targeting loose deliveries on a surface that offered variable bounce and turn.
Curran reached his half-century from 44 balls, the slowest of his international career but arguably one of the most valuable. His innings of 58 from 48 deliveries featured intelligent placement rather than power, and it gave England something to bowl at.
A vital 47-run partnership with Liam Dawson (14) lifted England closer to respectability before Chameera struck again late in the innings. The Sri Lankan seamer finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 24, including the wicket of Curran with the penultimate ball, as England closed on 128 for nine.
England spinners turn the game on its head
Despite the low target, England entered the second innings believing the pitch could work in their favour. That belief was quickly justified as spin dominated proceedings from start to finish.
Luke Wood, rotated into the side, made an immediate impact by removing an opener for a duck. Liam Dawson followed with another early breakthrough, exploiting the rough patches on the surface.
Sri Lanka briefly stabilised through Kusal Mendis, who top-scored with 26, but momentum never truly swung their way. Adil Rashid and Will Jacks struck in quick succession to remove Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake, reducing the hosts to four down.
At 90 for four, Sri Lanka still appeared favourites, with required runs well within reach. However, what followed was a remarkable collapse engineered by England’s part-time spinners.
Jacks returned to dismiss Kamindu Mendis lbw before removing Janith Liyanage soon after, swinging the pressure firmly back onto the hosts. Then came the decisive moment of the match.
Bethell’s stunning over seals victory
Jacob Bethell, used sparingly throughout the series, delivered a match-winning over in the 18th. The left-arm spinner removed Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera and Dasun Shanaka in quick succession, completely ripping the heart out of Sri Lanka’s chase.
Bethell finished with extraordinary figures of 4 for 11, while Jacks supported brilliantly with 3 for 14. Between them, England’s spinners claimed nine of the 10 Sri Lankan wickets, a remarkable feat in T20 cricket.
Bethell was entrusted with the final over and fittingly claimed the last wicket, dismissing Maheesh Theekshana to secure a dramatic 12-run victory and complete the series sweep.
A major boost ahead of the World Cup
England’s win capped a flawless tour, having already claimed the preceding one-day series. The performance in Pallekele offered strong encouragement ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Captain Brook showed tactical maturity by relying almost exclusively on spin after the powerplay, even turning to Bethell and Jacks as his sixth and seventh bowling options. The approach paid off handsomely on a surface offering significant turn.
Coach Brendon McCullum will be particularly pleased with the flexibility shown by the squad. While frontline spinners Rashid and Dawson both bowled economically, it was the contributions of part-time options that proved decisive.
England also extended Sri Lanka’s losing streak against them in T20 internationals to 11 consecutive matches, underlining their dominance in the format.
What they said
England captain Harry Brook praised his side’s adaptability:
“That was one of the most fun wins I’ve been part of. The way Sam Curran batted was brilliant, and we showed we can adapt to tough surfaces. This experience will be massive for the World Cup.”
Player of the match and series Sam Curran added:
“It was the third game on the same wicket and 130 felt competitive. The spinners made the difference. The confidence in the group is really good.”
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka admitted frustration:
“We’re very disappointed. We had chances but didn’t finish the job. There are areas we must improve before the World Cup.”
Momentum heading into the tournament
England now turn their focus to the World Cup opener against Nepal on Sunday, 8 February, carrying momentum, belief, and valuable experience of subcontinental conditions.
If this thrilling win is any indication, England’s spin depth and adaptability could once again make them a serious force in global T20 cricket.
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