Harry Brook and Jos Buttler turned the Southampton T20 into a fireworks display, guiding England to a crushing 254‑4 victory over Sri Lanka in the series opener – the first match played under the new white‑ball mentorship of Kevin Pietersen. The newly appointed white‑ball captain, Brook, smashed an unbeaten 114 off just 49 deliveries, including a blistering six‑ball over in which he struck six boundaries.

His partner, former captain Buttler, added a rapid 80 off 44 balls. Together they amassed a staggering 128 runs from only 60 balls for the second wicket after debutant Aneurin Donald was dismissed for a quick 12, having hit a six and a four in his brief cameo.

This partnership echoed the pair’s earlier heroics at the same ground in July, when they combined for a 233‑run stand off 103 balls against India, a performance that helped England post 257‑3 and complete a 4‑0 series sweep. In that game Buttler reached a century and Brook finished unbeaten on 95.

England’s innings broke down as follows: Harry Brook 114 (49), Jos Buttler 80 (44), Will Jacks 21 (12). Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled, with Wanindu Hasaranga returning figures of 1‑34. Sri Lanka’s reply was a swift collapse.

They were bowled out for 135 in just 19 overs, handing England a 119‑run win and marking Sri Lanka’s 13th consecutive defeat in T20 internationals, a streak that stretches back to 2014. The victory also extended England’s recent dominance, giving them 21 wins in their last 24 T20Is. Key bowling contributions came from the young fast bowler Sonny Baker, who claimed 3‑12 in his four‑over spell, including the wicket of Kamil Mishara (10) – his first white‑ball wicket for England.

Leg‑spinner Adil Rashid added 1‑31, dismissing Dasun Shanaka (24 off 14) with a beautifully timed delivery after Shanaka had just struck back‑to‑back sixes. Brook’s innings was a masterclass in power hitting and running between the wickets. The highlight came in the fifth over, where he punished Sri Lankan left‑arm spinner Dunith Wellalage for six consecutive boundaries – three sixes and three fours.

His first boundary of the over was a daring six over long‑on, followed by a series of elegant shots: a four over the bowler’s head, a scooped six over fine leg, a maximum over long‑off and a final four behind point. Only Phil Salt has recorded a faster T20I hundred for England, achieving the feat in 39 balls against South Africa in 2025. Brook’s 114, however, was notable for its efficiency and the way he combined brute force with clever placement.

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes praised Brook on social media, stating, "I don’t think even the genius of KP could come close to what Brook has talent‑wise. You are an absolute freak, Harry. You’re a joy to watch." He later added, "Both are freak talents but Brook is better in my opinion." After the partnership, Brook managed his bowlers wisely in the second half, ensuring Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum. The tourists slumped to 69‑5 inside the first ten overs, with Wellalage (33 off 21) the top‑scorer, hitting four fours and two sixes.

England’s bowling attack – Jamie Overton (2‑20) and Liam Dawson (2‑23) sharing four wickets – kept the pressure on, and the team now looks to seal the series with a game to spare in Cardiff on Thursday, followed by the final match at Old Trafford on Saturday. Both fixtures will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket.

Aneurin Donald, who earned his place due to Phil Salt’s quad injury, will aim to make a bigger impact in the second T20. The 29‑year‑old, a product of the Glamorgan academy, became the first Cardiff‑born international since 2005 Ashes hero Simon Jones. After Donald’s brief cameo – a maximum leg‑side and a four through extra‑cover – he bowled Wellalage out, then watched Brook and Buttler continue to dominate, together striking 28 boundaries. Brook, who was named player of the match, also shared his thoughts on working with Pietersen: "[Pietersen] looks at batting differently, similar to me.

He always wants to put the bowlers under pressure. He was phenomenal – the way he accessed different parts of the ground made it tricky for captains and bowlers. I’m looking forward to our conversations.

I’ve asked him to help me read surfaces and use my skills in both white‑ball and Test cricket. He’s a hero to many of us; we grew up watching him, and it’s awesome to have someone of his calibre in the dressing room." Fans can catch England’s second T20 against Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 6 pm on Thursday (first ball at 6.30 pm).

All times are UK and Ireland.