Eng vs SL live: Sri Lanka’s Spinners Stun England in Powerplay

England’s Super Eight campaign hit an immediate stumbling block at Pallekele on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as they slipped to 37/2 after powerplay.

After asking to bat first, England’s Jos Buttler’s prolonged struggle for fluency continued, ending in a scratchy 7 off 14 balls. Attempting a premeditated reverse-sweep against Dunith Wellalage in the fourth over, Buttler was trapped plumb in front. His departure followed a hesitant stay where timing proved elusive, a recurring theme in a tournament where his form has been under intense scrutiny.

The pressure only intensified when Jacob Bethell fell to the first ball of the sixth over. Looking to force the pace against Maheesh Theekshana, Bethell could only manage a looping edge to Dilshan Madushanka, departing for a run-a-ball 3. 

The twin strikes have left England's power-packed middle order with a significant rebuilding job on a surface already offering assistance to the Sri Lankan spinners.

Phil Salt stands firm at 24 (15)