SRI LANKA FAR FROM READY WITH T 20 WORLD CUP DAYS AWAY-by Sunil Thenabadu
World Cup just days away, Sri Lanka far from ready
Sri Lanka squandered their final opportunity to build winning momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup, as another unbeleivable batting collapse by which handed over England a 12-run victory in the third and final T20I at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, to complete a 3–0 series whitewash.
Opting to bat England were restricted to a paltry 128 for 9, Dushmantha Chameera producing a career-best fifer spell of 5 for 24. Matheesha Pathirana provided effective support, finishing with figures of 2 for 27. Despite the modest total, Sri Lanka once again failed to capitalise, collapsing to be 116 all out with three balls remaining.
Sri Lanka appeared well placed at 90 for 4 at one stage, but England’s spinners turned the game decisively on a slow surface. Off-spinner Jacob Bethell was the chief destroyer, claiming career-best figures of 4 for 11 in 3.3 overs, while leg-spinner Will Jacks chipped in with 3 for 14 from his four overs.
Earlier, Sam Curran played a crucial innings for England, scoring 58 off 48 balls with six fours and a six to lift the visitors to a competitive total when chips were down. His all-round contributions throughout the series earned him both Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours. Curran had earlier announced himself with a hat-trick in the opening T20I and capped the series with a fighting half-century in the final match.
In reply, Sri Lanka made a steady start, reaching 62 for 2, with Pathum Nissanka scoring 23 and Kusal Mendis, in his 100th T20I, contributing 26. The chase then unravelled as England’s spinners took control, with no other batter passing 20 and the middle order collapsing yet again.
England’s tour of Sri Lanka proved highly productive as they adapted quickly to local conditions, winning the ODI series 2–1 before completing a dominant 3–0 sweep in the T20Is to gain valuable exposure ahead of the World Cup.
The series raised concerns for the hosts, who struggled despite home advantage and spin-friendly surfaces at Colombo and Pallekele. England’s spinners outperformed their Sri Lankan counterparts, while repeated middle-order failures exposed persistent weaknesses that need urgent correction before the World Cup.
“This was a great win. The boys kept fighting right till the end and showed we can adjust to different surfaces,” Brook said. “Sam Curran got us to a decent total on a used pitch, and the spinners were outstanding. Using spin for 16 overs in Sri Lankan conditions and keeping the pressure on was crucial. With the World Cup around the corner, this experience will be invaluable.”
A disappointed Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka admitted his side had missed opportunities.“We could have taken the game deeper, and that’s something we need to address going into the World Cup,” Shanaka said.“We have to take the positives from this series and fix the areas that let us down. Playing spin better is a key concern.”
Shanaka also highlighted positives, pointing to young batter Pavan Ratnayake’s promise and Chameera’s return to form.“It’s good to see Chameera back with a five-wicket haul, and Pavan showed his potential. We desperately want to deliver something special at the World Cup on home soil,” he added.
