England secured a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Cardiff, winning the T20 series with one match remaining.
Key facts
- •England has now defeated Sri Lanka in 14 consecutive T20 meetings.
- •Tom Banton scored an unbeaten 52, hitting four sixes during his 24-ball knock.
- •Liam Dawson led the English bowling attack with figures of 3-32.
- •Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka was the top scorer for his side with 37 runs.
- •The T20 series concludes with a final match at Old Trafford on Saturday.
England extended their winning streak against Sri Lanka to 14 consecutive games with a dominant six-wicket victory in Cardiff. By successfully chasing a target of 146 in just 12.1 overs, England clinched the T20 series with one match left to play. The win maintains England's unbeaten record in the shortest format this summer.
By the numbers
Sri Lanka's Collapsing Innings
Sri Lanka began the match strongly, reaching 55-0 after five overs behind the batting of Pathum Nissanka, who top-scored with 37. However, the momentum shifted when Liam Dawson dismissed Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara in the final over of the powerplay. Sri Lanka ultimately struggled to maintain their pace, scoring only 90 runs for the loss of nine wickets over the remaining 15 overs. England's bowling attack proved difficult to overcome as the innings progressed. Liam Dawson finished with figures of 3-32, while Jamie Overton took 2-23 and Sonny Baker contributed 1-15, including a wicket maiden in the 19th over. The tourists managed only 12 runs from their final four overs, finishing at 145-9.
England's Dominant Chase
England’s pursuit of the 146-run target was characterized by aggressive batting and significant power-hitting. Openers Jos Buttler and Aneurin Donald provided a quick start with a 51-run partnership in 4.3 overs. Although both fell shortly after, the middle order continued the momentum. Captain Harry Brook scored 23 runs off eight balls, including three sixes, before being caught by Eshan Malinga. Tom Banton anchored the chase with an unbeaten 52, his fastest half-century in T20 internationals. Banton hit four sixes during his 24-ball innings, highlighting a disparity in power between the two sides. England reached the target with 47 balls remaining, sealing the win in a match that saw the team remain unbeaten in 22 of their last 25 completed T20 games.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Sport, BBC Sport, BBC Sport.
