Tom Banton’s authoritative 54 not out and Harry Brook’s explosive 12-ball cameo secured England a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, giving them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series ahead of the T20 World Cup. Rain had interrupted play for over an hour in Pallekele, and England faced a DLS-adjusted target of 111 from 9.4 overs, but Banton’s clinical innings, combined with Brook’s whirlwind strike-rate, made light work of the chase.
Banton, batting at No. 4, showcased a mature range against spin, including a reverse sweep off Wanindu Hasaranga and a lofted six over extra cover off Shanaka’s medium pace. His 29-ball half-century, his first for England in four years, anchored a chase that could have spiraled in the face of the revised target.
“Most of my career I’ve been opening, and I’ve got a new role with England which has been really exciting,” Banton said.
Brook’s cameo electrified the final overs, hitting four of his 12 balls for six, including a sequence of 4-6-6-6 off Pathirana. Though he eventually fell attempting a high-risk shot, his blistering strike rate ensured England stayed ahead of the required DLS run rate. Sam Curran sealed the win with a towering six over wide long-on.
Sri Lanka’s innings had begun brightly, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis combining for a lively start in the Powerplay. However, wickets fell at crucial junctures, and the loss of Eshan Malinga to a shoulder injury after the rain break further destabilized the chase. Dasun Shanaka’s side ultimately managed 189 for 5, with Rathanayake top-scoring at 40 off 22 balls, his knock marked by a mix of luck and skill.
England’s spinners controlled the middle overs, picking up 3 wickets for 81 runs across 12 overs, while their seamers conceded 103 runs from eight. The win continues England’s rich T20I form under Brook, giving them nine wins from their last ten completed matches, and boosts confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup, where they will look to reclaim the title lost two years ago.
With the series wrapped up and the World Cup looming, England now face a selection headache: Banton’s emergence as a finisher adds depth to an already strong squad, and Brook’s firepower provides the team with multiple finishing options. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are left with questions over their middle order and bowling discipline in high-pressure chases.
