Tom Banton delivered a dazzling knock of 52 runs from just 24 deliveries, steering England to a convincing six‑wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second T20 match and sealing the three‑game series with one game still to play. Banton’s innings was bolstered by quick contributions from captain Harry Brook, who smashed 23 runs off eight balls, and the ever‑reliable Jos Buttler, who added 30 runs from 16 deliveries. Buttler’s effort also saw him become the first cricketer to amass 15,000 runs in the Twenty‑20 format, a historic milestone that underscored the significance of the victory. England’s triumph marked their 14th successive win against Sri Lanka and their 22nd win in the last 25 T20 internationals they have contested.
The side, under the guidance of head coach Brendon McCullum and newly appointed white‑ball mentor Kevin Pietersen, continues to build momentum and display the depth that has become a hallmark of English limited‑overs cricket. Sri Lanka’s chase began brightly. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara combined for a rapid 55‑run partnership without losing a wicket in the first five overs, with Nissanka scoring 37 off 21 balls and Udara contributing 21 off 20.
The early onslaught, however, was halted when England’s left‑arm spinner Liam Dawson struck twice in successive deliveries, dismissing Udara and then Kamil Mishara for a duck. Dawson’s spell shifted the momentum, and he soon followed up with the wicket of Nissanka after the powerplay, leaving the Sri Lankan top order in disarray. Jamie Overton added to the pressure, picking up two wickets for just 23 runs.
He removed Nissanka and later forced Kamindu Mendis to leave the crease after a brisk 12‑run cameo. Dawson continued his incisive spell by dismissing skipper Dasun Shanaka three balls later, reducing Sri Lanka to 95 for 5 after they had been cruising at 56 for no loss. A brief resurgence came from the middle order, with Charith Asalanka (31 off 31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (27 off 22) adding valuable runs and stabilising the innings.
Yet their resistance was short‑lived; Adil Rashid (1‑18) and the young fast bowler Sonny Baker (1‑15) struck in quick succession, removing both batsmen within six balls. The final over saw Jofra Archer claim two more wickets, leaving Sri Lanka nine down and setting England a target of 146 runs to win. England’s reply began explosively.
Buttler opened the innings with a blistering 30 off 16 balls, while fellow opener Aneurin Donald contributed 21 runs from just 13 deliveries. The pair amassed a 50‑run partnership in the first 25 balls, putting England in a commanding position. Their momentum was briefly interrupted when Sri Lankan pacemen Dushmantha Chameera (1‑29) and Eshan Malinga (1‑27) removed both openers within three deliveries. Harry Brook then took charge, accelerating the scoring rate with three sixes in four balls.
His aggressive approach, however, was cut short when Malinga claimed a spectacular catch on the boundary, ending Brook’s impressive run of 311 consecutive runs without dismissal in T20 internationals for England. Undeterred, England’s middle order regrouped. Banton, the top scorer, continued to dominate the bowlers, while Jordan Cox added a quick 12 runs off just seven balls.
Their partnership guided England safely to the finish line, securing the win with 7.5 overs to spare. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, England’s white‑ball captain Harry Brook praised the team’s performance: “Tonight was a special performance, very clinical. Sri Lanka got off to a flier but the way we fought back with the ball was outstanding.
The way Dawson reads the game was outstanding, too. He is an awesome bowler and a great bloke.
He uses all of his nous. Everyone bowled phenomenally and the way Banton hits different parts of the ground with the bat was great to see. [Buttler’s 15,000 T20 runs] is ridiculous.
Long may it continue. He has been phenomenal for 15 years and someone you want by your side and in the changing room.” The series win not only adds another trophy to England’s white‑ball cabinet but also highlights the depth of talent across the squad.
Players like Banton and Buttler have demonstrated the ability to change a game in an instant, while emerging stars such as Liam Dawson and Sonny Baker have shown they can deliver when the pressure is high. The coaching duo of McCullum and Pietersen appears to have fostered a culture of aggressive, adaptable cricket, which bodes well for England’s upcoming fixtures.
Fans can relive the excitement by watching the third T20 of the series live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, scheduled for 2:30 pm on Saturday. The broadcast will be available across the UK and Ireland, and viewers can also explore Sky Sports’ latest streaming deals for flexible, contract‑free access.