Tom Banton delivered a dazzling knock of 52 runs off just 24 deliveries, steering 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 to spare. Banton’s fireworks were complemented by quickfire contributions from captain Harry Brook, who smashed 23 runs from eight balls, and veteran wicket‑keeper Jos Buttler, who added 30 runs off 16 deliveries. Buttler’s innings also saw him become the first cricketer to reach the landmark of 15,000 runs in the T20 format. England chased down Sri Lanka’s modest total of 145 for 9 with 7.5 overs remaining, underscoring their dominance.
The win marked England’s 14th consecutive triumph over Sri Lanka and their 22nd victory in the last 25 T20 internationals they have played. The side, under the guidance of head coach Brendon McCullum and new white‑ball strategist Kevin Pietersen, continues to build momentum and confidence. Sri Lanka got off to a brisk start. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara put together a 55‑run partnership without losing a wicket in the first five overs, with Nissanka striking 37 off 21 balls and Udara contributing 21 off 20.
However, England’s Liam Dawson turned the tide, claiming the wickets of Udara and Kamil Mishara in consecutive deliveries, and finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 32. Jamie Overton soon followed, dismissing Nissanka after the powerplay and then removing Kamindu Mendis shortly thereafter.
Dawson added another scalp by getting Shanaka out three balls later, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 95 for 5 after a promising start of 56 for no loss. A brief resurgence came from Sri Lanka’s middle order.
Captain Charith Asalanka held his ground with a perfectly timed 31 off 31 balls, while all‑rounder Wanindu Hasaranga added 27 off 22, providing a much‑needed stabilising spell. Their resistance was short‑lived, however, as England’s spin duo – Adil Rashid (1 for 18) and the promising youngster Sonny Baker (1 for 15) – struck in quick succession, taking the two wickets within six balls. The final over saw Jofra Archer claim a double‑wicket burst, leaving Sri Lanka nine down and setting England a target of 146.
England’s chase began explosively. Buttler and opening batsman Aneurin Donald combined for a rapid 50‑run partnership in just 25 balls, with Buttler contributing 30 off 16 and Donald adding 21 off 13.
Their momentum was halted when Sri Lankan pacers Dushmantha Chameera (1 for 29) and Eshan Malinga (1 for 27) removed both openers within three deliveries. Harry Brook then took charge, unleashing three sixes in four balls, but was caught at the boundary by Malinga, ending an impressive run of 311 consecutive runs without being dismissed in T20 internationals for England.
Undeterred, England’s middle order continued the assault. Banton, the top scorer, partnered with Jordan Cox, who supplied a quick 12 off 7 balls, to steer the chase home.
Their combined effort ensured England crossed the finish line with wickets in hand and secured the series win. 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 match was broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 2:30 pm on Saturday, with additional streaming options available via NOW without a contract. All times were listed in UK and Ireland local time. The series victory adds another chapter to England’s recent ascendancy in the shortest format, highlighting the depth of talent across the batting order and the incisive bowling attack that has been honed under the combined leadership of McCullum and Pietersen.