Bethell’s 4-11 seals England 3-0 sweep over Sri Lanka in World Cup warm-ups

Feb.04 (Mirror Sports) – Jacob Bethell delivered a sensational late spell as England edged Sri Lanka by 12 runs to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the T20 World Cup warm-up series.

Sri Lanka were well placed at 95/6, needing 21 off 18 balls, before Bethell’s part-time left-arm spin turned the match on its head. He struck three times in the 18th over, finishing with career-best figures of 4/11, as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 116 with three balls remaining.

Earlier, England posted 128/9, recovering from 60/6 thanks to Sam Curran’s career-best 58 off 48 balls.

For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera, returning from a groin injury, produced a standout performance with a maiden T20I five-wicket haul, claiming 5/24 — the best figures in an England-Sri Lanka T20I and the third-best at Pallekele.

England captain Harry Brook praised his side’s adaptability, highlighting their reliance on spin on a turning surface, with England bowling 16 overs of spin.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka admitted his side must urgently improve their approach against spin after another collapse.

Both teams begin their World Cup campaigns next Sunday, with Sri Lanka hosting Ireland in Colombo, while England face Nepal in Mumbai.