Tom Banton delivered a dazzling knock of 52 runs from just 24 deliveries, steering England to a comfortable six‑wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second T20 of the series and clinching the three‑match contest with a match to spare. Banton’s innings was bolstered by quick contributions from captain Harry Brook, who smashed 23 runs off eight balls, and veteran Jos Buttler, who added 30 runs from 16 deliveries. Buttler’s effort 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 remaining, underscoring their dominance. The victory marks England’s 14th consecutive win over Sri Lanka and their 22nd triumph in the last 25 T20 Internationals they have played.
The English side continues to flourish under the guidance of head coach Brendon McCullum and the newly appointed white‑ball mentor Kevin Pietersen, who have both been credited with fostering a winning culture. Sri Lanka’s innings began brightly. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara put together an aggressive opening partnership of 55 runs without losing a wicket in the first five overs, with Nissanka scoring a brisk 37 off 21 balls and Udara contributing 21 off 20.
However, England’s Liam Dawson turned the tide almost immediately, claiming the wickets of Udara and Kamil Mishara with consecutive deliveries, shifting momentum back to the hosts. Jamie Overton then broke through the top order, removing Nissanka shortly after the powerplay.
Overton’s strike continued as he dismissed Kamindu Mendis for 12, and Dawson added to Sri Lanka’s woes by taking the wicket of captain Dasun Shanaka just three balls later. By the time the fifth wicket fell, Sri Lanka were in deep trouble at 95 for 5, having slumped from a promising 56 for no loss.
A brief resurgence came from the middle order. Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan skipper, held his nerve with a perfectly timed 31 off 31 balls, while all‑rounder Wanindu Hasaranga added a quick‑fire 27 off 22.
Their partnership offered a glimmer of hope, but England’s Adil Rashid (1‑18) and the promising youngster Sonny Baker (1‑15) struck in quick succession, dismissing both batsmen within six deliveries. The final over saw Jofra Archer claim two more wickets, leaving Sri Lanka nine down and setting England a target of 146 runs. England’s chase began with authority.
Opening pair Buttler and Aneurin Donald combined for a rapid 50 runs in the first 25 balls, with Buttler’s 30 off 16 and Donald’s 21 off 13 laying a solid foundation. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers Dushmantha Chameera (1‑29) and Eshan Malinga (1‑27) responded by removing both openers in quick succession, creating a brief moment of tension for the English side. Captain Harry Brook then accelerated the scoring rate, hammering three sixes in four balls. His momentum was abruptly halted when Malinga caught him on the boundary, ending Brook’s remarkable streak of 311 runs without being dismissed in T20 internationals for England.
Undeterred, the middle order regrouped. Banton, the top scorer, partnered with Jordan Cox, who contributed a brisk 12 off 7 balls, to see England over the line with six wickets in hand. Post‑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 win not only secured the series for England but also highlighted the depth of talent across the squad. Banton’s aggressive stroke‑play, Buttler’s record‑breaking milestone, and the incisive bowling spells from Dawson, Overton, Rashid, and Archer all demonstrated why England are currently one of the most formidable white‑ball sides in the world.
Their ability to adapt to different phases of the game—whether building a solid partnership at the top or accelerating in the death overs—has become a hallmark of their recent success. Looking ahead, England will aim to maintain this momentum in upcoming fixtures, while Sri Lanka will need to regroup and address the early wickets that hampered their chase. The series also provided a platform for emerging talents such as Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker to showcase their skills on the international stage, suggesting a bright future for England’s white‑ball pipeline. Fans can catch the highlights and replays of the match on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with live coverage scheduled for England’s next T20 encounter against Sri Lanka at 2:30 pm on Saturday, broadcast across the UK and Ireland.
All times are local to the UK and Ireland, and the match will also be available via NOW streaming for those without a Sky subscription.