England sealed the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a six-wicket victory in the second match at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Tom Banton starred with an unbeaten 52 off just 24 balls, including four sixes, as England chased down Sri Lanka’s 145/9 in only 12.1 overs. Jos Buttler provided a rapid start with 30 from 16 deliveries, becoming the first player to reach 15,000 T20 runs in the process.
England’s bowlers laid the foundation for another dominant win. Sri Lanka scored 56 during the powerplay but lost momentum after Liam Dawson struck twice in consecutive deliveries. Dawson finished with 3/32, while Jofra Archer claimed two wickets in the final over to restrict Sri Lanka to a modest total.
Pathum Nissanka top-scored for Sri Lanka with 37, while England’s Harry Brook contributed 23 from eight balls during the chase.
The victory extended England’s winning streak against Sri Lanka to 14 consecutive T20Is. The series concludes at Old Trafford on Saturday.