England seal 2-0 T20I series win over Sri Lanka with a six‑wicket romp

England wrapped up the three‑match T20I series against Sri Lanka in style on Thursday, cruising to a six‑wicket victory at Sophia Gardens. After bowling the visitors out for 145‑9, the English side needed just 146 runs – and they got there in a blistering 12.1 overs.

It was a crisp display of batting firepower. Jos Buttler opened the chase with a quick 30 off 16 balls, peppered with four fours and a six, while Aneurin Donald added 21 off 13. Captain Harry Brook then smashed 23 off only eight deliveries, lobbing three sixes his way. The real show‑stopper, however, was Tom Banton, who finished unbeaten on 52 from 24 balls – a half‑century that came in record‑fast fashion, peppered with four sixes.

Jordan Cox chipped in with a quick 12, and the tail‑ender Will Jacks saw the finish line, ending on an unbeaten three. England crossed the line with 47 balls to spare, sealing a 2‑0 series win that leaves the final match in Manchester a formality.

On the Sri Lankan side, the innings started brightly. They were 56‑0 after the powerplay, with Pathum Nissanka blitzing 37 off 21 balls and Lahiru Udara chipping in 21 off 20. Captain Charith Asalanka and all‑rounder Wanindu Hasaranga also made useful contributions, but the momentum stalled and they fell short at 145‑9.

Bowling for England, Liam Dawson was the clear pick of the day, taking 3 for 32 and earning the Player of the Match award. Jamie Overton (2/23) and Jofra Archer (2/34) backed him up nicely, while youngster Sonny Baker kept things tidy with 1 for 15, including a maiden over.

Buttler also hit a personal landmark, becoming the first batsman to amass 15,000 runs in T20 cricket – a testament to his longevity and class. The series win pushes England’s unbeaten run against Sri Lanka in the shortest format to 14 matches.

The third and final T20I is set for Old Trafford on Saturday, though England have already clinched the series. All eyes will now turn to whether they can keep the streak alive and finish the tour with a clean sweep.