Tom Banton delivered a dazzling knock of 52 runs off just 24 deliveries, guiding England to a comfortable six‑wicket win against Sri Lanka in the second T20 of the series and sealing the three‑match contest with a match still to play. Banton’s innings was bolstered by quick contributions from captain Harry Brook, who smashed 23 runs from only eight balls, and the ever‑reliable Jos Buttler, who added 30 runs off 16 deliveries. Buttler’s cameo also saw him become the first cricketer to reach the milestone of 15,000 runs in the Twenty‑20 format.
England chased down Sri Lanka’s modest total of 145 for 9 with 7.5 overs to spare, marking their 14th consecutive win over the island side and their 22nd triumph in the last 25 T20 internationals. The performance underlines the steady progress of a side that is thriving under head coach Brendon McCullum and the newly appointed white‑ball mentor Kevin Pietersen. Sri Lanka got off to a brisk start.
Openers Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara put together an opening partnership of 55 runs without losing a wicket in the first five overs, with Nissanka scoring 37 off 21 balls and Udara contributing 21 off 20. The momentum shifted dramatically when England’s seamer Liam Dawson struck twice in consecutive deliveries, dismissing Udara and then Kamil Mishara for a duck, giving England a foothold. Jamie Overton then claimed Nissanka’s wicket after the powerplay and soon after sent Kamindu Mendis back for a quick 12, while Dawson removed Shanaka only three balls later.
At that stage Sri Lanka found themselves reeling at 95 for 5 after having been 56 for no loss. A resilient partnership for the fifth wicket emerged between skipper Charith Asalanka, who made 31 off 31 balls, and all‑rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who added 27 off 22. Their stand offered a brief respite, but it was short‑lived. England’s spin maestro Adil Rashid (1‑18) and the promising youngster Sonny Baker (1‑15) each took a wicket in quick succession, and Jofra Archer sealed the innings with two wickets in the final over, leaving Sri Lanka nine down and setting England a target of 146.
England’s reply began explosively. Opening pair Jos Buttler and Aneurin Donald put on 50 runs in just 25 balls, with Buttler’s 30 off 16 and Donald’s 21 off 13 setting a rapid platform. However, Sri Lankan pacers Dushmantha Chameera (1‑29) and Eshan Malinga (1‑27) struck back, removing both openers within three balls of each other.
Harry Brook then accelerated the scoring, hammering three sixes in four deliveries before being caught on the boundary by Malinga. That dismissal ended an impressive run of 311 runs without being dismissed in T20 internationals for England. Undeterred, England’s middle order took charge.
Tom Banton, the top‑scorer, continued to dominate, while Jordan Cox contributed a quick 12 off 7 balls. Together they steered England across the finish line, clinching the series with a comfortable margin.
After the match, England’s white‑ball captain Harry Brook spoke to Sky Sports, describing the performance as "special" and "very clinical." He praised the early aggression of Sri Lanka but highlighted England’s superb bowling comeback, especially lauding Liam Dawson’s game‑reading abilities. Brook also complimented Banton’s versatility with the bat, noting how he was able to place shots in all areas of the ground. Regarding Buttler’s historic 15,000 T20 runs, Brook called the achievement "ridiculous" and expressed hope that it would continue for many years, emphasizing Buttler’s importance both on the field and in the dressing room. The match was broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with the third T20 scheduled for 2:30 pm on Saturday, available to UK and Ireland viewers.
Fans could also stream the game via NOW with a no‑contract deal, ensuring broad access to the concluding fixture of the series. Overall, England’s blend of explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and strategic leadership proved decisive. The series win not only adds another feather to England’s cap but also showcases the depth of talent and the effective coaching structure guiding the team forward in the international white‑ball arena.