England Whitewash Sri Lanka with Dramatic 12-Run Victory

England successfully defended a target of 129 to secure a dramatic 12-run win against Sri Lanka, completing a 3–0 whitewash in the three-match T20 series and heading into the World Cup in strong form.

After a top-order collapse, Sam Curran’s career-best knock of 58 powered England to 128 for 9. The tourists then produced an outstanding spin bowling performance to bowl Sri Lanka out for 116, pulling off what appeared to be an unlikely victory.

Will Jacks claimed 3 for 14, while Jacob Bethell took the final four Sri Lankan wickets, including three in a single over, to finish with figures of 4 for 11.

England’s innings got off to a disastrous start after they opted to bat, with opener Ben Duckett dismissed lbw for a golden duck. Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton and Harry Brook also departed for single-digit scores. Curran’s composed innings, however, helped England post a total that, while modest, proved defendable.

Despite having already lost the series, Sri Lanka fought hard with the ball. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera picked up 5 for 24, completing his five-wicket haul by dismissing Curran with the penultimate delivery of the innings.

In reply, Sri Lanka were put under early pressure as Luke Wood and Liam Dawson struck with quick wickets. Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake then fell to consecutive deliveries from Adil Rashid and Will Jacks.

The hosts appeared back in control at 90 for 4, but Jacks turned the game around by removing Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage in successive overs.

Part-time spinner Jacob Bethell then took charge in the 18th over, dismissing Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera and Dasun Shanaka. He sealed the match in the final over by removing Maheesh Theekshana.

The victory saw England register the lowest total they have ever successfully defended in T20 internationals.

England will begin their World Cup campaign against Nepal on Sunday, 8 February.