Tom Banton delivered a dazzling knock of 52 runs off just 24 deliveries, steering England to a comfortable six‑wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 match and securing the three‑game series with one match still to play. Banton’s innings was bolstered by quickfire contributions from captain Harry Brook, who smashed 23 runs from only eight balls, and veteran Jos Buttler, who added 30 runs off 16 deliveries.
Buttler’s performance was historic, as it pushed his career tally past the 15,000‑run milestone in T20 cricket, making him the first player ever to achieve that figure. England chased down Sri Lanka’s modest total of 145 for 9 with 7.5 overs to spare, marking their 14th consecutive victory against the island side and their 22nd win in the last 25 T20 internationals.
The win underscored the continued rise of England’s white‑ball unit under head coach Brendon McCullum and newly appointed white‑ball mentor Kevin Pietersen, who have both emphasized aggressive tactics and a fearless mindset. Sri Lanka’s innings began brightly. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara provided a rapid start, putting together an unbeaten 55‑run partnership in the first five overs – Nissanka scoring 37 off 21 balls and Udara adding 21 off 20. Their early momentum was abruptly halted when England’s all‑rounder Liam Dawson struck twice in consecutive deliveries, dismissing Udara and then Kamil Mishara for a duck.
Dawson’s early breakthroughs shifted the pressure back onto the Sri Lankan batters. After the powerplay, Jamie Overton claimed Nissanka’s wicket, ending the opening partnership. Overton’s spell continued to wreak havoc as he soon removed Kamindu Mendis, who had only managed 12 runs from eight balls.
Dawson added to Sri Lanka’s woes by taking the wicket of captain Dasun Shanaka just three balls later, leaving the tourists reeling at 95 for 5 after a dramatic collapse from 56 for 0. A brief resurgence came from the middle order, with skipper Charith Asalanka (31 off 31) and frontline bowler‑all‑rounder Wanindu Hasaranga (27 off 22) adding valuable runs. However, England’s spin and pace attack proved relentless. Adil Rashid claimed one wicket for just 18 runs, while young pacer Sonny Baker took another for 15.
In the final over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Jofra Archer delivered two crucial wickets, wrapping up the innings at 145 for 9 and setting England a target of 146. England’s reply was swift and decisive. Opening pair Jos Buttler and Aneurin Donald put on a quick 50‑run stand in just 25 balls, with Buttler smashing 30 off 16 and Donald contributing 21 off 13.
Their partnership was ended when Sri Lankan bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Eshan Malinga each took a wicket in quick succession, removing both openers within three deliveries. Harry Brook then accelerated the innings, unleashing three sixes in four balls. His on‑fire display was cut short when Malinga caught him at the boundary, ending Brook’s impressive run of 311 consecutive runs without dismissal in T20 internationals for England. Undeterred, England’s middle order pressed on.
Tom Banton, the top scorer, combined with a brisk cameo from Jordan Cox (12 off 7) to finish the chase comfortably, sealing a six‑wicket victory. After the match, England’s white‑ball captain Harry Brook spoke to Sky Sports, praising 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 highlights England’s depth in batting and bowling but also showcases the impact of experienced players reaching personal milestones while younger talent steps up.
Buttler’s 15,000‑run landmark is a testament to his longevity and consistency in the shortest format, while Banton’s explosive innings underlines his emergence as a match‑winner for England’s T20 side. Looking ahead, England will play the third and final T20 of the series later on Saturday, with the match broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 2:30 pm UK time. Fans can also stream the game via NOW TV without a contract, ensuring broad accessibility for supporters across the UK and Ireland.
The final encounter will provide an opportunity for England to cap off a dominant series performance and for Sri Lanka to regroup and aim for a comeback in the concluding fixture.