Bethell, Jacks spin out sorry SL for surprise win: 3rd T20 (Pallekele)

Spinners Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell spun a web around Sri Lanka as England completed a 3–0 clean sweep of the series with a 12-run victory over Sri Lanka in the 3rd T20I at Pallekele, Kandy today.

Batting first, England reached 128/9, powered by a gritty 58 off 48 balls from Sam Curran and 25 off 21 from Jos Buttler, with contributions down the order like Liam Dawson’s 14 and Adil Rashid unbeaten on 7.

Sri Lanka’s chase fell short as key batters including Kusal Mendis (26) and Pathum Nissanka (23) were unable to convert starts, and the hosts were dismissed for 116 in 19.3 overs, sealing England’s win by 12 runs. SL lost their last 8 wickets for just 54 in a dramatic collapse.

England 128 for 9 (Curran 58, Chameera 5-24) beat Sri Lanka 116 (Bethell 4-11, Jacks 3-14) by 12 runs

Feb 2026.