England Captured the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka with a six-wicket win via the DLS method in the second encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 1. In a match heavily affected by rain interruptions, Tom Banton’s composed but aggressive innings proved decisive as England successfully chased the revised target of 168 in 17 overs.
The win gave England an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series, demonstrating their adaptability and depth in pressure situations.
Despite late stumbles, Sri Lanka post a competitive score
Batting first after England decided to bowl, Sri Lanka scored 189 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs. The hosts got off to a bright start led by Pathum Nissanka, who scored 34 off just 22 balls before being clean bowled by Jofra Archer.
Nissanka was well supported by Kamil Mishara, whose fluent innings of 36 off 30 balls helped Sri Lanka dominate the powerplay. The momentum continued and Kusal Mendis scored a quickfire 32 off 17 balls, keeping the run rate above nine per over.
However, England made a comeback in the middle overs. Liam Dawson dismissed Mendis, while Adil Rashid restricted Sri Lanka’s lead by having captain Dasun Shanaka out LBW for 1 run.
Despite the setbacks, Sri Lanka kept the pressure on through Pawan Rathnayake, who played an attractive innings of 40 off 22 balls. Archer bounced back at the crucial time to dismiss Rathnayake and finished with impressive figures of 2 for 42.
At the death, Charith Asalanka led the innings with an unbeaten 28, helping Sri Lanka cross the 185-run mark. England’s bowlers, although costly at times, managed to prevent further damage and fend off late attacks.
Rain soon arrived, causing delays and England had to chase the revised target.
England get revised target as chase becomes difficult due to rain
After almost two hours of interruption, the match was reduced to 17 overs per side, with England set a DLS-adjusted target of 168. The scenario only demanded a run rate of under ten overs, which put immediate pressure on the visitors.
England’s reply got off to a shaky start as Philip Salt was out for 1, soon followed by Jacob Bethell, who dismissed England for two inside the powerplay. Jos Buttler counterattacked and played a stormy innings of 39 runs in 29 balls, but his dismissal once again opened the doors for Sri Lanka.
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Tom Banton takes charge under pressure
With wickets falling at regular intervals tom banton Emerged as a stabilizing force for England. Promoted to the middle order, Banton played with maturity beyond his years, mixing clean hitting with smart rotation of strike.
Banton’s unbeaten 54 off 33 balls included three fours and three sixes and he timed his pace perfectly during the final overs. His calm presence allowed England to keep pace with DLS level scores throughout the chase.
Captain Harry Brook made a stellar cameo and scored 36 runs in just 12 balls before falling to Mathisha Pathirana, but by then England were firmly in control.
All-rounder Sam Curran supported Banton brilliantly and remained unbeaten after scoring 20 runs in 14 balls. The duo ensured that England crossed the victory mark with two balls to spare, Ended at 173 runs for 4 wickets in 16.4 overs.
After Banton settled, Sri Lankan bowlers had to struggle to stop England. Pathirana remained expensive despite taking two wickets, while Wanindu Hasaranga could not exert his usual control.
Tom Banton was selected as Play of the Match for his excellent batting.
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