England Seal Series With 12‑Run Victory England defeated Sri Lanka by 12 runs in the third T20 at Pallekele on 3 February 2026, posting 129/10 and restricting the hosts to 128/9 [1]. The win sealed a 3‑0 series sweep, the first clean‑sweep England have achieved in Sri Lanka. Coach Brendon McCullum highlighted the low‑score defence as a confidence boost ahead of the World Cup [1].

Sam Curran Powers England With Hat‑Trick and Half‑Century Sam Curran claimed a hat‑trick in the series‑opening match on 30 January, dismissing Shanaka, Theekshana and Pathirana in the 16th over to secure an 11‑run DLS win [2]. He followed that with a career‑best 58 off 48 balls in the final, rescuing England from 34/4 and earning the Player of the Match award [1]. Curran’s resurgence after a long absence has been credited to his new “moon ball” and strong Hundred performances [2].

Spin Duo and Chameera Dominate Bowling Figures Will Jacks (3/14) and Jacob Bethell (4/11, including three wickets in one over) led England’s spin attack, accounting for nine of Sri Lanka’s wickets in the decisive game [1]. Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera recorded a five‑for (5/24) but could not prevent England’s defence [1]. The combined spin and pace success underlined England’s depth in bowling options [1].

World Cup Preparations Accelerate After Series Win England head to the T20 World Cup opening against Nepal on 8 February, with McCullum praising Luke Wood’s two‑over spell after rotating him for Jofra Archer [1]. The series victory extends England’s unbeaten run against Sri Lanka to nine consecutive T20Is since 2016 [2]. Momentum from the sweep is expected to shape England’s strategy in the upcoming tournament [1][2].