England's innings reached 36 for two after 5.1 overs at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium, with Phil Salt unbeaten on a brisk 23 from 15 deliveries. Sri Lanka's bowlers, particularly Dunith Wellalage who dismissed Jos Buttler, maintained disciplined lines to stifle the run chase early in this World Cup group match.

Winning the toss and choosing to field, Sri Lanka's spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wellalage extracted consistent pressure. The early loss of captain Jos Buttler, bowled for seven off 14 balls, and Jacob Bethell for three, left England's middle order with significant rebuilding required.

Salt provided the sole boundary-laden resistance, striking three fours and a six. However, with 14 overs remaining and wickets in hand, England's total remains modest. Sri Lanka's economical spells from Dilshan Madushanka (16 runs in three overs) have put the hosts in a strong position to restrict England to a chaseable score.