T20 World Cup 2026: Cricket fraternity reacts as Sri Lanka suffer embarrassing defeat against England in Super 8

Sri Lanka's innings folded for a paltry 95 while chasing the target of 147.

By Salman Anjum - 22 Feb, 2026

England outplayed Sri Lanka in their Super 8 opener | Getty

Sri Lanka suffered an embarrassing 51-run defeat at the hands of England in their opening T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 fixture in Pallekele on Sunday (February 22).

Opting to bowl first, Sri Lankan spinners Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana starred with three and two wickets respectively to restrict England to 146/9 in 20 overs. Phil Salt was the top scorer for England with 40-ball 62, while Will Jacks made 21 off 14.

In reply, the hosts lost five wickets in the powerplay as England captain Harry Brook's decision to hand the new ball to Jacks worked wonders. The all-rounder picked up three wickets with his off-spin.

Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid also claimed two scalps each, bundling out Sri Lanka for a paltry 95 in 16.4 overs. Only captain Dasun Shanaka (30) managed to cross the 20-run mark during the chase.

Cricket fraternity was critical of Sri Lankan batters’ game awareness and praised the England bowlers for defending a modest total.

Here are the reactions:

Not a great outing by @OfficialSLC against England. The planning and execution by the bowlers were in sharp contrast to the same by the batters. Hard hands, mishara’s lack of intent and not reading the game situ or pitch cost them.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) February 22, 2026

Brilliant bowling and tactical display by England .. Get more Batters in form and they can start to really threaten in this WC .. #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 22, 2026

Against a quality side like @englandcricket can’t afford to gift wickets. The intent was there , but the game awareness and responsibility with the bat just wasn’t at the level required. Too many soft dismissals, not enough partnerships by @OfficialSLC #T20WorldCup2026 #slveng
— Farveez Maharoof (@farveezmaharoof) February 22, 2026

OMG! No words! Pathetic batting by srilanka. After bowling so well and no batter wanted to bat sensibly and get srilanka home ! Terrible
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) February 22, 2026

England starts in style. Spin does the job. Sri Lanka on home soil gets all done for 95. This is a very good start for England. @RevSportzGlobal @shamik100
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) February 22, 2026

In turn Sri Lanka have committed ‘suicide’. In their own backyard, and in pursuit of 147, the Lankan batsmen have batted like millionaires and thrown away such a good chance https://t.co/067bRxqwWc
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 22, 2026

Congratulations to England. Disgraceful batting by Sri Lanka chasing 147. I have nothing more to say, it was so pathetic to watch. Disappointing is an under statement.
— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) February 22, 2026

This was Sri Lanka’s game, but they crumbled under pressure.
Chasing 147 in 20 overs they would have achieved this 8 out of 10 times. #SLvENG
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) February 22, 2026

T20 World Cup 2026: Cricket fraternity reacts as Sri Lanka suffer embarrassing defeat against England in Super 8

Sri Lanka's innings folded for a paltry 95 while chasing the target of 147.

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