England wrapped up their T20 World Cup preparations in emphatic fashion, completing a 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka with a narrow 12-run victory in the third and final match on Tuesday.

Left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell emerged as the unlikely match-winner, producing a sensational late spell of 4 for 11 as Sri Lanka collapsed to 116 all out in pursuit of 129. Bethell claimed the final four wickets in the space of eight balls to turn the game decisively in England’s favour.

Earlier, Sam Curran’s career-best 58 off 48 balls rescued England from early trouble and lifted them to 128 for 9 on a difficult surface. Sri Lanka pacer Dushmantha Chameera was equally impressive, registering career-best figures of 5 for 24 in his first appearance of the series.

“That was awesome, a great win to be part of,” England captain Harry Brook said. “We’ve shown we can adapt to surfaces. Tonight was a tricky one to bat on, but these are the kind of experiences we can carry into the World Cup.”

Sri Lanka appeared well placed at 100 for 6, needing 17 off the final 17 deliveries, before Bethell ripped through the lower order. He struck three times in the 18th over and then had Maheesh Theekshana caught at short third man to seal the win.

Jos Buttler produced a stunning diving catch to dismiss Dunith Wellalage during Bethell’s decisive over, while Dasun Shanaka was stumped attempting a big hit on the turning surface.

For the second match in a row, Sri Lanka struggled against England’s spin attack, losing their last eight wickets for just 54 runs. Will Jacks also starred, returning figures of 3 for 14.

Kusal Mendis top-scored for Sri Lanka with 26, while Pathum Nissanka provided a brief spark with a 12-ball 23, including three sixes, before falling to Jacks.

England had earlier endured a torrid start after Brook won his third consecutive toss and chose to bat. The visitors slumped to 34 for 4 inside the powerplay, with Chameera striking first ball to dismiss Ben Duckett.

Matheesha Pathirana removed Bethell and Brook in quick succession, while Theekshana knocked over Buttler to leave England reeling at 47 for 5. Curran then dug in, striking six fours and a six to give England a fighting total.

Despite late strikes from Chameera, England’s bowlers ensured the total proved just enough.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka admitted his side fell short. “Very disappointed. We lost 3-0. As captain, I need to address our weak areas ahead of the World Cup. We are desperate to deliver something special,” he said.

The T20 World Cup begins on Saturday.

(By PTI Inputs)