England continued their dominance over Sri Lanka with a six-wicket victory in the second T20I at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday. The hosts produced another clinical all-round display to chase down 146 with ease and take an unassailable lead in the three-match series.
Jos Buttler made a quick contribution at the top of the order, scoring 30 off 16 balls before his dismissal. However, his short stay at the crease proved significant as he reached a landmark that no other player had previously achieved in T20 cricket.
Jos Buttler reaches another major landmark in T20 cricket
Buttler became the first player in T20 history to reach 15,000 career runs during England’s chase. The milestone came in his 528th T20 appearance and saw him move past former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard’s tally of 14,999 runs. The England wicketkeeper-batter reached the landmark with his 30-run knock, which included four fours and a six. His tally now includes nine centuries and 107 fifties across T20 cricket, underlining the remarkable consistency he has maintained throughout a career spanning more than 15 years.
England captain Harry Brook hailed the achievement as “ridiculous” and praised Buttler’s longevity in the shortest format. The record adds another major achievement to Buttler’s already decorated T20 career, which has included success with England and several franchise teams around the world.
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Tom Banton powers England to another convincing win
Sri Lanka had posted 145/9 after being asked to bat first, with Pathum Nissanka top-scoring with 37 off 21 balls and Charith Asalanka making 31. Liam Dawson led England’s bowling effort with 3/32, while Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer claimed two wickets apiece. England raced to 48 without loss inside four overs before Aneurin Donald and Buttler departed in quick succession.
Brook then provided another burst of aggression with 23 off eight balls, including three sixes, before Tom Banton took control of the chase. Banton finished unbeaten on 52 off 24 balls, with Jordan Cox on 12 not out, as England reached 146/4 in just 12.1 overs. The victory extended their winning streak against Sri Lanka to 14 consecutive T20Is, with the final match of the series scheduled for Saturday at Old Trafford in Manchester.
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