Jacob Bethell Stuns Sri Lanka With Three-Wicket Over As England Win By 12 Runs - News18

Jacob Bethell showcased his value in England‘s T20 World Cup title hopes by spinning them to a hard-fought 12-run victory over Sri Lanka, completing a 3-0 series sweep at Pallekele on Tuesday. This series acted as a dress rehearsal for the 20-nation showpiece co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India. Heading into the 18th over, the match was evenly poised with Sri Lanka needing 21 runs from 18 balls and four wickets in hand. However, Bethell’s part-time spin turned the game around dramatically. The left-armer claimed three wickets in a pivotal over, leaving the hosts all out for 116 with three balls to spare. Bethell finished with career-best figures of four for 11. “It was one of the most fun games I have been part of,” said England captain Harry Brook. He continued, “We showed we can adapt to challenging conditions. Today we bowled 16 overs of spin and to do that against a Sri Lankan side in their own conditions is really satisfying.” England managed to score only 128 for nine but demonstrated their depth and strategic acumen by defending a seemingly subpar total on a pitch offering turn and bounce. After just four overs from the fast bowlers, the spinners took control and stifled the Sri Lankan batters, continuing their dominance from earlier in the tour. The spinners had been essential in England’s ODI series victory in Colombo last week and once again proved to be their trump card. England now head to India to begin their World Cup campaign with momentum, while Sri Lanka must address their vulnerabilities against spin. Bethell received support from Will Jacks, who took three wickets, while Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson each contributed a wicket to maintain pressure on the hosts. Sam Curran, England’s star in the opening game with a hat-trick, showcased his all-round abilities, scoring a career-best 58 from 48 balls to rescue the team from 60 for six. Returning fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, who was back after a groin injury, shone for Sri Lanka with his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is, recording figures of five for 24—the best in England-Sri Lanka encounters and the third-best ever at Pallekele. “Very disappointing. We need to address a few areas, especially the options we take against spin bowling,” said Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka. “I thought we had addressed that issue in the last game but the old problems resurfaced again.” Both teams commence their World Cup campaigns next Sunday, with Sri Lanka hosting Ireland in Colombo and England facing Nepal in Mumbai. With AFP Inputs