England sealed the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka In the second match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 1, DLS scored a six-wicket victory. In a match heavily affected by rain interruptions, Tom Banton’s composed but batting batting proved decisive as England successfully chased down a revised target of 168 in 17 overs.
The win gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, showing their depth and adaptability in pressure situations.
Sri Lanka produced a competitive result despite some late stutters
Batting first after England chose the trophy, Sri Lanka posted 189 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. The hosts got off to a fast start led by Pathum Nissanka who smashed 34 off just 22 balls before being cleaned out by Jofra Archer.
Nissanka was well supported by Kamil Mishara, whose fluent deliveries of 30 off 36 helped Sri Lanka dominate the power play. That momentum continued with Kusal Mendis hitting 32 off 17 balls, keeping the run rate above nine overs.
However, England hit the middle. Liam Dawson dismissed Mendis while Adil Rashid trapped skipper Dasun Shanaka lbw for 1 to stop the Sri Lankan attack.
Despite the setbacks, Sri Lanka kept the pressure on through Pavan Rathnayake, who played an eye-catching cameo of 40 off 22 balls. Archer returned to dismiss Rathnayake at the crucial moment and finished with impressive figures of 42 for 2.
At the death, Charith Asalanka anchored the innings with an unbeaten 28 as Sri Lanka passed the 185-run mark. England’s bowlers, though expensive at times, were able to limit more damage and fend off the late onslaught.
Rain soon led to a delay and a revised chase for England.
Rain cuts chase as England revises target
The match was reduced to 17 apiece after nearly two hours of stoppage time, with England set a DLS-adjusted target of 168. According to the script, he was required to have a slightly lower run rate, putting immediate pressure on the visitors.
England’s reply got off to a shaky start when Philip Salt fell to 1, shortly after Jacob Bethell put England two behind on the power play. Jos Buttler counter-attacked fluently with 29 off 39, but his dismissal opened the door for Sri Lanka once again.
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Tom Banton takes responsibility under pressure
With doors falling regularly, Tom Banton It emerged as a stabilizing force for England. Promoted to the middle order, Banton played with maturity beyond his years, mixing clean hitting with clever batting spin.
Banton’s unbeaten 54 off 33 balls included three fours and three sixes, and he timed his acceleration perfectly during the final overs. His calm presence allowed England to keep up with the DLS par score throughout the chase.
Captain Harry Brook provided a brilliant cameo, hitting 36 off just 12 balls before falling to Matheesha Pathirana, but then England were firmly in control.
All-rounder Sam Curran completed Banton brilliantly, unbeaten on 20 off 14 balls. The duo got England over the line with two balls to spare, He ends on 173 for 4 at 16.4.
After Banton settled in, Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain England. Pathirana was expensive despite picking two wickets while Wanindu Hasaranga failed to exercise his usual control.
Tom Banton was named Man of the Match for his fighting brilliance.
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