England produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the second match of the Sri Lanka tour of England 2026 at Sophia Gardens. After choosing to bowl first, England restricted Sri Lanka to 145/9 in 20 overs before chasing down the target in just 12.1 overs. Liam Dawson was instrumental with the ball and was named Player of the Match after claiming three wickets.
Liam Dawson sizzles with splendid bowling display
Sri Lanka were given an attacking start by Pathum Nissanka, who struck 37 runs from 21 deliveries, including four fours and a six. Lahiru Udara also contributed 21 off 20 balls, but Sri Lanka lost Kamil Mishara for a first-ball duck, putting some pressure on the middle order.
Charith Asalanka attempted to steady the innings with 31 from 31 deliveries, hitting three boundaries. Kamindu Mendis added 12 off eight, while Dasun Shanaka could manage only four runs.
Wanindu Hasaranga provided some late impetus with 27 off 22 balls, including two fours and a six, but Sri Lanka struggled to find the acceleration needed during the closing overs. Tharindu Ratnayake scored four, while Dushmantha Chameera and Eshan Malinga were dismissed without scoring.
Dawson led England’s bowling attack with an excellent spell of 3/32 from his four overs. Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton claimed two wickets apiece, while Adil Rashid and Sonny Baker picked up one each. Baker was particularly economical, conceding just 15 runs in his four overs.
England make light work of 146-run chase
England’s response was emphatic as their top order immediately put Sri Lanka’s bowlers under pressure. Jos Buttler set the tone with a brisk 30 from 16 balls, smashing four fours and a six, while Aneurin Donald added 21 from 13 deliveries with two fours and a six.
Harry Brook then produced a remarkable burst of hitting, racing to 23 from just eight balls. His innings included one four and three sixes, helping England move rapidly towards the target. Tom Banton took charge of the chase with an unbeaten-looking attacking contribution of 52 from 24 balls, featuring two fours and four sixes. His aggressive strokeplay ensured that England remained well ahead of the required rate.
Jordan Cox chipped in with 12 from seven balls, including a six, while Will Jacks scored three from six deliveries. England eventually reached 146/4 in only 12.1 overs to complete a comprehensive victory. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain England’s aggressive batting approach. Dushmantha Chameera, Hasaranga, Malinga and Tharindu Ratnayake claimed one wicket each, but none could prevent England from completing the chase with 47 balls to spare.
Dawson’s three-wicket haul earlier in the match proved crucial in restricting Sri Lanka to a manageable total, earning him the Player of the Match award. England’s convincing six-wicket victory underlined their control throughout the contest and gave them a strong result in the series.
England cruise to victory in the 2nd T20I with more than 7 overs to spare 💯✅#ENGvSL #EnglandCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/xIaRQskfyx
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 18, 2026
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