England won the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a six-wicket victory using the DLS method in the second match at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 1. Due to rain interruptions, Tom Banton’s strong inning helped England chase a revised target of 168 runs in 17 overs.
This victory gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure.
Sri Lanka sets a competitive target despite late issues
Batting first after England chose to bowl, Sri Lanka scored 189 for 5 in their 20 overs. The hosts started strong, with Pathum Nissanka hitting 34 runs off 22 balls before being dismissed by Jofra Archer.
Nissanka received support from Kamil Mishara, who contributed 36 runs off 30 balls, helping Sri Lanka excel during the powerplay. Kusal Mendis also added a quick 32 runs from 17 balls, maintaining a high run rate.
However, England responded in the middle overs as Liam Dawson dismissed Mendis, and Adil Rashid trapped captain Dasun Shanaka lbw for just 1 run, slowing Sri Lanka’s momentum.
Despite these setbacks, Sri Lanka kept up the pressure with Pavan Rathnayake’s impressive 40 off 22 balls. Archer took Rathnayake’s wicket at a crucial moment, ending with notable figures of 2 for 42.
Charith Asalanka finished the innings with an unbeaten 28, helping Sri Lanka surpass the 185-run mark. Although England’s bowlers sometimes allowed runs, they managed to control the damage as rain started, delaying the match and altering England’s chase.
Rain adjusts chase target for England
After nearly two hours of delay, the match was shortened to 17 overs per side, with England facing a DLS-adjusted target of 168. This meant England needed to score at almost ten runs per over, adding pressure on the team.
England’s response began poorly as Philip Salt fell for just 1 run, followed by Jacob Bethell, leaving England two wickets down early in the powerplay. Jos Buttler countered with a quick 39 runs off 29 balls, but his wicket opened another opportunity for Sri Lanka.
Tom Banton steps up under pressure
With wickets tumbling, Tom Banton became England’s key player. Promoted to the middle order, Banton’s mature batting combined power hitting with clever strike rotation.
Banton scored an unbeaten 54 runs off 33 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes, and effectively accelerated during the final overs. His steady presence helped England match the DLS target throughout the chase.
Captain Harry Brook added a quick 36 runs off 12 balls before getting out to Matheesha Pathirana, but England was already in control.
All-rounder Sam Curran supported Banton well, scoring an unbeaten 20 off 14 balls. Together, they ensured England reached the target with two balls remaining, finishing at 173 for 4 in 16.4 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers found it difficult to contain England once Banton settled in. Pathirana, despite taking two wickets, was expensive, while Wanindu Hasaranga couldn’t exert his usual control.
For his outstanding performance, Tom Banton was named Player of the Match.