Jacob Bethell's surprise three-wicket over dismantled Sri Lanka's tail as England secured a 12-run win in the third T20 international in Pallekele, completing a clean sweep of the series. However, the left-arm spinner's heroics may lead to a bowling ban under International Cricket Council regulations, as he bowled more than his allotted overs in a calendar month for his county, potentially ruling him out of England's World Cup opener against Sri Lanka.
England posted 128, built largely by Sam Curran's 58 off 48 balls, the only score of note on a worn surface. Dushmantha Chameera took five wickets for Sri Lanka, including Curran, but England's spinners turned the game. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson were economical, but Bethell and Will Jacks starred, with Bethell taking 4 for 11 and Jacks 3 for 14.
Bethell completed the job as a death bowler, taking three wickets in the 18th over and the final wicket in the 20th, as Maheesh Theekshana's slog looped to short third. England will enter the World Cup with five consecutive white-ball wins, while Sri Lanka have 10 wins in 23 T20s since the start of 2025, with a sense of dysfunction.
Ben Duckett was a late inclusion for Phil Salt, who sustained a back spasm, but lasted one ball. Matheesha Pathirana impressed early, removing Bethell and Harry Brook inside the powerplay. Tom Banton and Jos Buttler fell to spin, leaving England 60 for six before Curran's counterattack.
Sri Lanka's chase started well, with Pathum Nissanka's brief fireworks, but Rashid's googly trapped Pavan Rathnayake lbw, and Jacks removed Kusal Mendis. Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage brought the required rate down, but Jacks ended Kamindu's innings, and Bethell's spin squeezed the hosts. With 21 needed from the last three overs, Buttler's athletic keeping and Bethell's bowling sealed the win.
