England hammer Sri Lanka to return top of T20 world rankings as 3-0 series sweep clinched at Emirates Old Trafford
Jos Buttler smacks unbeaten 62 off 32 balls as England chase 125-run target in only 9.4 overs to make it 15 T20 international wins in a row over Sri Lanka; watch the first ODI between the two teams on Tuesday from 12pm, live on Sky Sports Cricket (first ball 12.30pm)
Saturday 19 September 2026 17:47, UK
England returned to the top of the T20 world rankings as they earned arguably their most emphatic win yet in a series of drubbings dished out to Sri Lanka, beating the tourists by eight wickets at Emirates Old Trafford.
Off the back of 119-run and six-wicket wins in the opening two games, Harry Brook's side clinched a 3-0 series sweep as his 33 off 21 balls, plus Jos Buttler's unbeaten 62 off 32 fired the hosts to their 125-run target in a mere 9.4 overs.
Aneurin Donald (13 off 6) could only manage a brief cameo with the bat for the third time in the series - stumped off Tharindu Ratnayake - while Brook was run out just shy of victory, one that Buttler clinched with a stunning one-handed six over deep midwicket to make it 15 wins in a row for England against Sri Lanka in T20 internationals.
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The visitors had earlier been bowled out for a paltry 124 in 18.5 overs after being inserted by England, with Sonny Baker (2-17), Jofra Archer (2-23) and Will Jacks (2-31) picking up a couple apiece as the wickets were generously shared around.
Pathum Nissanka (36 off 24) had briefly given cause for optimism - despite the early wickets of Lahiru Udara (10), to a strong catch from Buttler in the swirling wind, and Kamil Mishara (2) - as he cleared the rope on three occasions in the opening powerplay.
Nissanka was a touch unlucky to ultimately perish in the seventh over, with Brook taking a terrific, diving catch at midwicket off one nailed out of the middle of the Sri Lankan opener's bat.
Skipper Charith Asalanka's innings was a sedentary 16 off 14 deliveries before being run out by Jacks - only just - after he nearly missed the stumps altogether with his take at the non-striker's end.
Kamindu Mendis (35 off 28) struck a couple of heavy-handed blows, but he too was lacking in support and the Sri Lankan collapse was well and truly in force by the time he picked out Jacks on the deep midwicket fence.
The tourists lost their last six wickets for 17 runs in less than five overs, with Wanindu Hasaranga's dismal departure - hit wicket off Archer after nearly swinging himself off his feet - pretty symptomatic of Sri Lanka's struggles in the series.
And they have got little time to rectify things for the three-match one-day international series which follows and gets under way in Durham on Tuesday.
Brook: No 1 ranking an 'amazing' achievement
England captain and player of the series Harry Brook:
"Being back at world No 1 in T20s is an amazing achievement and one everyone should be really proud of.
"Everyone stepped up, especially lads who haven't played as much.
"For Sonny Baker to bowl three overs in the powerplay in two games is an amazing achievement, not going for many runs and taking wickets.
"We want to be a side when the conditions aren't in our favour where we are still able to manufacture a win.
"That might not be the prettiest but we are doing it extremely well and are trending in the right direction."
Broad: England look well-oiled
Sky Sports Cricket's Stuart Broad:
"England have been superb. They look a much better team than Sri Lanka but look well-oiled and seem to know what they are doing.
"Even players you might not feel are in the best 11 - remember, England are missing Phil Salt, Sam Curran and Jacob Bethell through injury - appear like they know what they are doing.
"With clear roles and responsibility, you get good performances and that's what nearly every player has produced in this series."
Watch the first one-day international of the three-match series between England and Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 12pm on Tuesday (first ball 12.30pm). Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.
England vs Sri Lanka results and fixtures
All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports
- First T20 (Utilita Bowl) - England won by 119 runs
- Second T20 (Sophia Gardens) - England won by six wickets
- Third T20 (Emirates Old Trafford) - England won by eight wickets
- First ODI (Tuesday September 22) - Durham (12.30pm)
- Second ODI (Thursday September 24) - Headingley (12.30pm)
- Third ODI (Sunday September 27) - The Kia Oval (10.30am)
