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NEW DELHI: The pace spin duo of Jofra Archer and Will Jacks ripped through Sri Lanka’s top order after Phil Salt smashed a 40 ball 62, scripting a stunning 51 run win for England in a dramatic Super Eights clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday.

After left arm spinner Dunith Wellalage (3/26) starred in a disciplined Sri Lankan effort to restrict a scratchy England to 146 for nine, the islanders appeared firmly in control.

But Archer’s raw pace and Jacks’ clever off spin flipped the contest on its head in the second innings, reducing Sri Lanka to 34 for five inside six overs in a crushing powerplay assault. Sri Lanka were eventually bundled out for 95 in 16.4 overs.

Jacks finished with impressive figures of 3/22 in four overs while Archer returned 2/20 in three. They received solid backing from Liam Dawson (2/27 in 4 overs) and Adil Rashid (2/13 in 3.4 overs) as England wrapped up the tail with ease.

In the end, Salt’s attacking knock proved decisive, even though the rest of the batting unit failed to fire.

For Sri Lanka, captain Dasun Shanaka top scored with 30 off 24 balls.

Powerplay Carnage

If England’s start with the ball was fierce, Sri Lanka’s reply was disastrous. Archer struck early by dismissing the dangerous Pathum Nissanka (9 off 8), caught by Jamie Overton at deep mid wicket after being cleverly placed there a ball earlier.

Jacks then mirrored Wellalage’s first innings impact, removing Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake off successive deliveries.

Archer had Kamil Mishara caught at gully by Overton, while Jacks dismissed Wellalage who was taken at mid on by skipper Harry Brook.

A soft dismissal off Dawson sent Kamindu Mendis back, leaving the crowd in Pallekele stunned.

Salt Stands Tall

Earlier, England’s batting effort once again struggled for fluency despite Brook’s pre match talk of aggressive intent in the Super Eights.

Sri Lanka choked the English top order in the powerplay, picking up two wickets to leave them at 37 for two after six overs on a surface that offered some help to bowlers.

With Jos Buttler enduring a lean run and battling spin troubles, Shanaka’s decision to introduce Wellalage early paid rich dividends.

Wellalage removed Buttler and Brook (14 off 7) in his first three overs, pushing England to 68 for four in 10 overs.

Sri Lanka In Control

Wellalage varied his pace smartly, getting one to drift past Brook’s bat and trap him in front.

Buttler (7 off 14) had earlier fallen attempting a reverse sweep, a scratch innings that may prompt thoughts of giving Ben Duckett an opportunity in the next match.

Maheesh Theekshana (2/21) dismissed Jacob Bethell after a leading edge carried to Dilshan Madushanka, who was also economical with the new ball.

Tom Banton (6) ran himself out attempting a risky single, while Sam Curran fell in the deep off Dushmantha Chameera.

Salt, surviving the powerplay for the first time in the tournament, counter attacked with authority. He cleared extra cover off Wellalage and flicked Chameera over fine leg, reaching his fifty in 36 balls.

However, Wellalage had the final say by dismissing Salt when the opener failed to clear long off, and England’s innings tapered off soon after.

(With PTI Inputs)