Pallekele, February 22 Sri Lanka suffered an inexplicable batting collapse, losing to England by 51 runs in their opening Super Eights Group 2 match of the T20 World Cup here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 147, Sri Lanka were reduced to 34 for five within the powerplay after Will Jacks (3/22) took two wickets in two balls and Jofra Archer (2/20) disrupted the top order.
Pathum Nissanka (9), Kamil Mishara (6), Kusal Mendis (4), and Pavan Rathnayake (0) all fell for single-digit scores, and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 95 in 16.4 overs.
Earlier, a disciplined Sri Lanka restricted England to 146/9 after opting to bowl. England opener Phil Salt top-scored with a brisk 62 off 40 balls.
Sri Lanka were clinical with the ball, with left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage (3/26), Maheesh Theekshana (2/21), and Dilshan Madushanka (2/25) leading the attack.
Brief Scores:
England: 146/9 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 62; Dunith Wellalage 3/26, Maheesh Theekshana 2/21, Dilshan Madushanka 2/25)
Sri Lanka: 95 all out in 16.4 overs (Will Jacks 3/22, Liam Dawson 2/27, Jofra Archer 2/20, Adil Rashid 2/13)
