England completed a commanding win over Sri Lanka in the second T20 international at Cardiff, clinching the three-match series with one fixture remaining. A rapid, unbeaten innings from Tom Banton and an impactful cameo by Jos Buttler — who became the first batter to amass 15,000 T20 runs — paved the way for a six-wicket victory with 7.5 overs to spare.
Summer surge: England’s batting answers the call
Banton raced to an unbeaten 52 off 24 balls, anchoring a chase that never looked in doubt after Sri Lanka were restricted to 145 for 9. Buttler contributed a brisk 30 off 16, while captain Harry Brook added a quickfire 23 off 8, helping England to overhaul the target with time to spare and leave the tourists short of answers.
Spin and seam take their toll
Sri Lanka had enjoyed a flying start as openers Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara put on 55 inside the first five overs, but England turned the match with disciplined bowling. All-rounders and pacers combined to choke momentum, most notably Liam Dawson, whose figures of 3 for 32 ripped through the middle order, and Jamie Overton, who finished with 2 for 23.
Form and context
The victory extends England’s rich recent record in T20 internationals and underlines the depth of attacking options available under head coach Brendon McCullum and new white-ball mentor Kevin Pietersen. It is the side’s 22nd win in their last 25 T20s and their 14th consecutive victory over Sri Lanka in the format.
- Tom Banton: 52* (24)
- Jos Buttler: 30 (16) — first to 15,000 T20 runs
- Liam Dawson: 3-32; Jamie Overton: 2-23
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 145-9 |
| England | chased with 7.5 overs remaining |
England’s blend of explosive batting and incisive bowling once again proved decisive. With the series wrapped up, attention now turns to the third and final T20 at Old Trafford, where England will look to polish combinations and give other players a run ahead of a busy white-ball calendar.
