Already bruised by the upset against Zimbabwe, the scars of a 0-3 sweep at the same venue just days before this World Cup add to Sri Lanka’s psychological burden.
Fragile momentum
England was left at the mercy of fate against Nepal and Italy, bailed out only by Sam Curran’s death bowling. Between those narrow escapes came a limp defeat to West Indies.
A reset before the Super Eight, and the recent triumphs over the co-host, could help England realign with its strengths.
Explosive starts from Phil Salt and Jos Buttler were central to England’s T20 resurgence under Harry Brook over the last year. In this tournament, neither averages more than 15 and both must now contend with Sri Lanka’s early spin threat.
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Dushan Hemantha could be deployed inside the PowerPlay against Salt, who averages just 19 against leg-break bowling in all T20s and has fallen 36 times in 85 innings. Buttler may find scoring options restricted against Maheesh Theekshana, against whom he strikes at just 73 in T20Is.
England’s middle order has contributed, but without strong starts, the tempo has dipped. Between the seventh and 15th overs, England has scored at just 7.77 per over, leaving Will Jacks to manufacture late acceleration.
The all-rounder boasts a strike rate of 207, yet England imploded at the death in the one match he misfired, against West Indies.
Mirror image
Sri Lanka’s middle order has been caught in a similar rut. It was most evident in the loss to Zimbabwe, where just 66 runs between the seventh and 16th overs sapped the momentum out of its innings.
That slowdown contrasts sharply with its opening bursts, where Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have pushed the run rate close to 10 per over. At the back end, Dasun Shanaka and Kamindu Mendis have provided thrust, striking at 200 and 225 respectively.
Death-over control
Compensating for a middle-overs dip at the death will be difficult against Curran, whose mix of cutters and slower balls has shrunk the hitting arcs of batters in this World Cup. He has conceded just 8.25 runs per over at the death and taken three wickets.
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Adil Rashid has also been used deep into the innings, strengthening England’s control. The leg-spinner has bowled three times between overs 15 and 17 this World Cup, picking up two wickets at an economy of 4.33. Jacks and Jacob Bethell could be used more here, given the turning nature of wickets.
Sri Lanka would hope Rashid’s intent rubs off on its bowlers as well, a small step in offsetting the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana through injury.
Published on Feb 21, 2026
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