England crush Sri Lanka to seal T20I series in Cardiff

England delivered another emphatic performance against Sri Lanka, cruising to a six-wicket victory in the second T20I in Cardiff to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a modest target of 146, England needed just 12.1 overs to reach 146 for four, finishing the game with 47 balls to spare. The result continued England’s strong recent record in the shortest format.

Sri Lanka made a fast start after being asked to bat first, with their opening partnership putting 56 runs on the board. However, England’s bowlers gradually pulled the visitors back, restricting them to 145 for nine from 20 overs.

Pathum Nissanka provided the early momentum with a brisk 37 from 21 balls, while captain Charith Asalanka added 31. Once England began taking regular wickets, Sri Lanka struggled to maintain the scoring rate.

Liam Dawson was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for 32 runs. Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer picked up two wickets each, while Sonny Baker and Adil Rashid took one apiece. Dawson was subsequently named Player of the Match.

England’s chase was aggressive from the outset. Jos Buttler struck 30 from 16 deliveries, while debutant Aneurin Donald contributed 21 from 13 balls before their opening partnership was broken.

Captain Harry Brook then added further momentum, smashing 23 from only eight balls, including three sixes. His brief but explosive stay ensured England remained firmly in control.

The biggest contribution came from Tom Banton, who remained unbeaten on 52 from just 24 balls. His innings included four sixes and two fours and ensured England completed the chase comfortably.

The victory was England’s 22nd win in their last 25 completed T20 matches, according to the figures reported after the game. It was also their 14th consecutive T20 victory over Sri Lanka.

The Cardiff victory also provided the stage for Jos Buttler to become the first batter to reach 15,000 career T20 runs, adding another landmark to an already significant evening for England cricket.

With the series already secured, England will face Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester, on September 19, with the visitors looking to end the series on a positive note.