Will Jacks starring again as England move one win from T20 World Cup semi-finals

England sit one win from a T20 World Cup semi-final after a 51‑run victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka in Kandy on February 22, 2026, a game in which will jacks played a decisive role with both bat and ball.

Will Jacks: match-defining all-round display

Will Jacks was one of only two England players to pass 20 as the side posted 146 for nine, a total that looked modest until the bowlers took control. Jacks contributed 21 off 14 balls with the bat and then opened the bowling for just the third time in his England career, his first time opening since being clubbed for 22 in an over against Australia at the 2024 tournament in the Caribbean. He completed a four-over spell for figures of 3-22, helping reduce Sri Lanka to 34-5 on a tacky pitch and finish the innings on 95 after England skittled their opponents.

Match specifics: Kandy scorecard and key numbers

The game is recorded as SL vs ENG, 42nd Match, Super Eights, Group 2 at Kandy, February 22, 2026. England's 51‑run win followed a batting performance propped up largely by Phil Salt, who made 62 from 40 balls; Sri Lanka were bowled out for 95. The bowling burst that included Jacks' 3-22 was decisive in defending what had seemed a sub-par total.

England one win away from progression and the remaining schedule

That victory left England top of their Super 8s group and on the cusp of the semi-finals. Pakistan and New Zealand sit on one point each after their game was rained off. England can guarantee a top-two finish in the group and a semi-final place by beating Pakistan in Pallekele on Tuesday, or by beating New Zealand in Colombo on Friday. A win over either opponent will see England progress.

Brook’s search for the perfect game continues

Captain Harry Brook framed the tournament so far as a hunt for a flawless performance, saying the side still haven't produced a perfect game. He highlighted that with the bat England have struggled to convert starts into big scores, naming Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton among those yet to post the big innings the side desire, while praising the team’s ability to keep getting over the line. Brook noted that rewards for those individual shortfalls should come later in the competition and expressed particular delight at how Jacks has performed.

Will Jacks’ tournament form, past winter and personal milestones

will jacks has been England's standout performer in the tournament, with lower-order batting contributions against Nepal and Italy proving instrumental. He scored 39 not out against Nepal and a first T20 fifty, 53 not out, against Italy—performances that kept England afloat in tight games. Across this World Cup he has already collected three man-of-the-match awards, and his 21 and three wickets against Sri Lanka arrived on Brook's 27th birthday.

The winter behind Jacks has been eventful. He made his Ashes debut in Australia, got engaged to his partner Ana in Sydney, and also endured mixed returns on the field: in the Ashes series he struggled with his bowling figures at times, including two wickets in the third Test in Adelaide that cost 212 runs and a series total of six wickets for 394 runs. Off the field he drew attention for images of him with a pint in Noosa. Jacks and Brook go back to playing each other at the Bunbury Festival as 15-year-olds—Jacks for a London schools side and Brook for the north of England—and were roommates with the Under-19s four years later.

Context and what's next

England scraped through the first group stage in India and Brook wanted his side to turn over a new leaf in Sri Lanka, a country England had recently beaten 3-0 in a T20 warm-up series at this venue. The Super 8s schedule leaves England with a clear path: victory in Pallekele on Tuesday or in Colombo on Friday will secure a place in the last four. Recent updates indicate these are the immediate objectives; details may evolve as match days arrive.

Timeline: key recent events from the context

• Feb 22, 2026 — SL vs ENG, 42nd Match, Super Eights, Group 2 at Kandy: England win by 51 runs (England 146 for nine; Sri Lanka 95).
• Jacks' contributions in the tournament include 39* vs Nepal and 53* vs Italy.
• England can progress by beating Pakistan in Pallekele on Tuesday or New Zealand in Colombo on Friday.
• Jacks' recent winter: Ashes debut in Australia; engagement to partner Ana in Sydney; mixed bowling returns in the Ashes (two wickets for 212 in Adelaide, six wickets for 394 across the series).

All facts above are drawn from the most recent coverage; further developments may follow as England's Super 8s campaign continues.