Will Jacks proved instrumental with both bat and ball, rescuing England from a difficult start to secure a 51-run victory over Sri Lanka in a T20 World Cup Super Eight match. Despite restricting England to a modest 146-9, Sri Lanka faltered, bowled out for 95 in under 17 overs.
Jacks contributed 21 runs and then claimed 3-22 with the ball. "It encourages me to get into the game and perform better," Jacks stated after being named player of the match. "Bowling in the powerplay is something I've done a lot of. So it's not foreign to me."
Sri Lanka had elected to field after winning the toss, and their decision seemed justified as England struggled at 68-4 by the halfway mark. Phil Salt anchored the innings with 62 runs off 36 balls, but wickets fell consistently. Jacks provided late impetus, though England fell short of 150.
In response, England's bowlers delivered a strong performance, reducing Sri Lanka to 22-4 within five overs. Jofra Archer took two early wickets, while Jacks dismissed Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake on successive deliveries. Sri Lanka's innings collapsed, with several batters falling to soft dismissals. Despite a defiant 30 from captain Dasun Shanaka, Jacks' catch in the deep sealed England's victory.