England Seal T20 Series Against Sri Lanka With Six-Wicket Win
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
England secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka after beating the visitors by six wickets in Cardiff on Thursday.
Tom Banton played a key role in the chase with an unbeaten 52 from just 24 balls as England reached the target of 146 in only 12.1 overs.
Sri Lanka Post 145 for 9
After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka made a promising start and reached 56 during the powerplay.
However, England soon regained control as wickets began to fall regularly. Opener Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 37 from 21 deliveries, while captain Charith Asalanka contributed 31.
Liam Dawson was England’s leading bowler, taking 3 wickets for 32 runs. Jamie Overton also claimed two wickets as Sri Lanka finished on 145-9 from their 20 overs.
Banton Leads England’s Chase
England began their reply aggressively and reached the target with 47 balls still remaining.
Banton remained unbeaten on 52, providing the finishing touch to a rapid run chase. Jos Buttler scored 30 from 16 balls, while captain Harry Brook added a quick 23 from only eight deliveries.
England eventually finished on 146-4 in 12.1 overs to secure another comfortable victory over Sri Lanka.
Buttler Reaches 15,000 T20 Runs
England opener Jos Buttler also reached a major milestone during the match.
His 30-run innings took him beyond 15,000 runs in T20 cricket, making him the first batter to reach the landmark in the format.
The achievement added another notable moment to England’s series-clinching performance.
England Continue Strong Record Against Sri Lanka
The victory extended England’s winning streak against Sri Lanka in T20 internationals to 14 matches.
England had already won the opening game of the series by 119 runs in Southampton, where Harry Brook scored an unbeaten 114.
The second match followed a similar pattern, with Sri Lanka making a decent start before England’s bowlers and batters took control.
Third T20I Set for Old Trafford
With England already holding an unassailable 2-0 advantage, the final match of the series will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said his team would need to improve after losing wickets regularly during the second match.
England, meanwhile, will look to complete a series sweep before turning their attention to their upcoming white-ball commitments.
