Tom Banton’s unbeaten half-century, supported by a rapid cameo from Harry Brook, powered England to a tense six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a rain-affected contest, sealing a 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Chasing a revised target of 168, England got home with two balls to spare.
Sri Lanka made an aggressive start after being sent in. Pathum Nissanka struck three boundaries in the opening over and followed it up by taking on Jofra Archer, with both openers clearing the ropes early. Spin briefly slowed the scoring before Archer broke the stand late in the powerplay, Nissanka’s inside edge crashing into the stumps.
The momentum, however, stayed with the hosts through the middle overs. Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake kept the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate, targeting the seamers in particular. England fought back through Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid, whose strikes reduced Sri Lanka to 131 for four after 14 overs.
Rathnayake countered in the death overs with a flurry of runs off Sam Curran, but limited support at the other end meant Sri Lanka finished on 189 for five.
England’s chase began briskly, with Jos Buttler finding the boundary regularly early on. Although Phil Salt departed quickly, Jacob Bethell kept the intent high. Sri Lanka tightened their lines in the latter part of the powerplay, restricting England to 51 runs in the first six overs.
Rain then halted play with England 57 for two in 7.2 overs and behind the DLS par score. After a delay of over an hour, the target was adjusted, and England returned with renewed urgency. Buttler soon fell, edging Dunith Wellalage, but Banton took control of the chase.
Harry Brook added instant momentum, launching Matheesha Pathirana for three sixes in a blistering 12-ball stay that swung the game decisively. Even as spinners had enjoyed success earlier, Wanindu Hasaranga was taken apart for 44 runs, including a crucial over that shifted the balance firmly towards England.
Sri Lanka stretched the contest deep, but with only three runs required in the final over, there was little room for drama. Sam Curran finished the job in style, lifting a length delivery over long-on for six to complete the chase.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka 189/5 (Pavan Rathnayake 40, Kamil Mishara 36; Jofra Archer 2-42)
England 173/4 in 16.4 overs (Tom Banton 54*, Harry Brook 36)
England won by 6 wickets
