England rout Sri Lanka for 95 in opener

England routed Sri Lanka for 95 to give captain Harry Brook a perfect birthday present as they opened the T20 World Cup Super Eights phase with a resounding 51-run win in Kandy on Sunday.

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England's Will Jacks delivers a ball against Sri Lanka.

(AFP)

After England were asked to bat first and scored what looked like a below-par 146-9, Jofra Archer and Will Jacks took five wickets during the six-over power play to leave Sri Lanka's top order in tatters at 34-5.

“That's a beautiful birthday present,” said Brook, who turned 27 on Sunday.

“I thought we played exceptionally there. To get over the line and bowl them out for less than 100 is an awesome effort.

“I didn’t think there were really any demons on the pitch. I think the spinners on both sides used the pace really well, and that's what brought a lot of wickets.”

It was England's 12th win in a row against Sri Lanka and on a pitch that was sticky and slow after rain all week in Kandy.