England on Fire: Archer and Jacks Leave Sri Lanka Reeling After Top-Order Destruction

Chasing a modest target of 147 in their high-stakes T20 World Cup Super 8 clash, Sri Lanka’s pursuit got off to a disastrous start as they crumbled to 34/5 in the powerplay.

The early damage was ignited by Jofra Archer, who dismissed the red-hot Pathum Nissanka (9) in the third over. Nissanka, who had earlier struck Archer for consecutive boundaries, fell attempting to clear mid-off, where Jamie Overton completed a comfortable catch.

The situation spiraled in the fourth over as Will Jacks struck twice in two deliveries. Kusal Mendis (4) was the first to go, miscuing a delivery straight back to the bowler. On the very next ball, Pavan Rathnayake (0) fell for a golden duck after a reckless charge down the track resulted in a catch for Tom Banton. 

In the very next over, Archor got Mishara (6), and in the last over of the powerplay, Wellalage (10) got out. As of now, half of the Sri Lankan team is in the pavilion. 

England's disciplined opening burst has left the hosts reeling, facing a steep recovery with 5 wickets remaining and the required rate climbing.