CARDIFF: England clinched the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a comprehensive six-wicket victory at Sophia Gardens yesterday, chasing down a modest target of 146 in just 12.1 overs with 47 balls to spare.
The result gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and left Sri Lanka facing another searching examination of their T20 batting after a second successive defeat.
Sri Lanka had made a reasonable start after being asked to bat, reaching 56 in the powerplay. Pathum Nissanka provided the early impetus with 37 off 21 balls, including four fours and a six, while Lahiru Udara contributed 21 off 20.
But once the opening partnership was broken, Sri Lanka’s innings lost its momentum. They were 84 for three after 10 overs and still had an opportunity to build a competitive total, but the middle order struggled to accelerate.
Captain Charith Asalanka made 31 from 31 balls, while Wanindu Hasaranga scored 27 off 22. Their 44-run partnership offered some stability, but Sri Lanka were unable to produce the late assault required in the final overs.
The innings deteriorated badly towards the finish. Sri Lanka scored just 12 runs in the final four overs while losing four wickets, eventually finishing on 145 for nine.
Liam Dawson was England’s most successful bowler with three for 32, while Jamie Overton claimed two for 23 and Jofra Archer two for 34.
England’s response underlined the gulf in attacking intent between the two sides.
Jos Buttler struck 30 off 16 balls and debutant Aneurin Donald made 21 off 13 as England reached 60 for two during the powerplay. Harry Brook then produced another explosive cameo, smashing 23 from only eight deliveries, including three sixes.
Tom Banton completed the chase in emphatic fashion, hitting an unbeaten 52 off 24 balls with two fours and four sixes. Jordan Cox added 12 off seven before England reached 146 for four in 12.1 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers were unable to build sustained pressure, with Hasaranga conceding 42 runs from his three overs. England’s scoring rate of 12 an over was in stark contrast to Sri Lanka’s 7.25.
The statistics further exposed the difference between the sides. Sri Lanka recorded a 42 per cent dot-ball rate, compared with England’s 25 per cent. England also struck 10 sixes against Sri Lanka’s two.
For Sri Lanka, the defeat was another example of a recurring problem: promising starts are not being converted into competitive totals. Nissanka’s aggressive beginning provided a platform, but the middle order failed to maintain the tempo before the innings collapsed at the death.
England, meanwhile, demonstrated the value of sustained aggression, losing four wickets but never allowing the required rate to become a factor.
Chief scores: Sri Lanka 145/9 (Pathum Nissanka 37, Charith Asalanka 31, Wanindu Hasaranga 27; Liam Dawson 3/32, Jamie Overton 2/23, Jofra Archer 2/34)
England 146/4 (Tom Banton 52*, Jos Buttler 30, Harry Brook 23; Dushmantha Chameera 1/29, Wanindu Hasaranga 1/42).
Player of the Match: Liam Dawson.
Series: England lead 2-0.
