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England vs Sri Lanka: Jos Buttler breaks T20 runs record as Harry Brook's side clinch series win with game to spare

Tom Banton makes half-century as England secure series win against Sri Lanka in Cardiff; Jos Buttler became first player to make 15,000 T20 runs; watch the third T20 from Old Trafford on Saturday live on Sky Sports Cricket from 2:30pm

Noah Langford

Sports Journalist

Thursday 17 September 2026 23:30, UK

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Highlights of the second T20 match between England and Sri Lanka

Tom Banton notched an inspired 52no off 24 balls to steer England to a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 to clinch the three-match series with a game to spare.

Banton was aided by useful cameos from skipper Harry Brook (23 off 8) and Jos Buttler (30 off 16) - the latter becoming the first player to make 15,000 T20 runs - as the home side sauntered past Sri Lanka's modest 145-9 with 7.5 overs to spare.

The victory is England's 14th in succession over Sri Lanka, and their 22nd in their last 25 T20 internationals as Brook's side continue to go from strength to strength under the leadership of head coach Brendon McCullum and new white-ball mentor Kevin Pietersen.

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Jos Buttler makes history in the T20 format by passing the 15,000 career runs milestone - the first to do so

How imperious England strolled to dominant series victory

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Two in two for Liam Dawson following Jamie Overton's superb catch for the first, Kamil Mishara then chips the first ball he faces straight back to the bowler

Sri Lanka's innings got off to a quick start, with openers Pathum Nissanka (37 off 21) and Lahiru Udara (21 off 20) putting on 55 runs without loss in their first five overs, but standout bowler Liam Dawson (3-32) took the wickets of Udara and Kamil Mishara (0) in successive balls to seize momentum from the batting side.

Jamie Overton (2-23) eventually sent Nissanka packing after the powerplay, and it was not long before he struck again, forcing Kamindu Mendis (12 off 8) to chop on, with Dawson compounding Sri Lanka's pain by dismissing Shanaka just three balls later to leave the tourists reeling at 95-5 having been 56-0.

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Jofra Archer flattens the middle stump to help wrap up Sri Lanka's innings

A determined fifth-wicket resistance from skipper Charith Asalanka (31 off 31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (27 off 22) gave the tourists some needed respite, but the ever-dependable Adil Rashid (1-18) and the impressive Sonny Baker (1-15) dismissed both batters respectively in the space of six balls, before Jofra Archer took two wickets in the final over of the innings to leave Sri Lanka nine down having set England a target of 146.

England began to make quick work of their opponents, with openers Buttler (30 off 16) and Aneurin Donald (21 off 13) putting on 50 runs in the first 25 balls before Dushmantha Chameera (1-29) and Eshan Malinga (1-27) dismissed the pair in the space of three balls.

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Harry Brook hits three sixes but is then caught out by Sri Lanka's Eshan Malinga

Brook, then, looked to up the pace, smashing three sixes in four balls, but was then caught by Malinga on the boundary, ending a sensational run of 311 runs without dismissal in T20 internationals for England.

His side's middle order, though, were undeterred, with top scorer Banton combining with a useful Jordan Cox cameo (12 off 7) to finish off the chase and claim victory.

Brook lauds 'special performance' - and 'ridiculous' Buttler!

Brook smashed 23 off 7 balls before his dismissal
Image: Brook smashed 23 off 7 balls before his dismissal

England white-ball captain Harry Brook, speaking to Sky Sports:

"Tonight was a special performance, very clinical. Sri Lanka got off to a flier but the way we fought back with the ball was outstanding.

"The way Dawson reads the game was outstanding, too. He is an awesome bowler and a great bloke. He uses all of his nous.

"Everyone bowled phenomenally and the way Banton hits different parts of the ground with the bat was great to see.

"[Buttler's 15,000 T20 runs] is ridiculous. Long may it continue. He has been phenomenal for 15 years and someone you want by your side and in the changing room."

Watch England's third T20 vs Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 2:30pm on Saturday. Latest Sky Sports deals or stream no contract with NOW.

England vs Sri Lanka results and fixtures

All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports

  • First T20 (Utilita Bowl) - England win by 119 runs
  • Second T20 (Thursday September 17) - England win by six wickets
  • Third T20 (Saturday September 19) - Old Trafford (2.30pm)
  • 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)

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