England secured a decisive six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 international on Sunday at Pallekele, clinching the three-match series with one game remaining.
The series, serving as a warm-up
for the upcoming T20 World Cup co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, showcased why England remains a strong contender for the title.
After narrowly winning the first match by 11 runs, the visitors delivered another commanding performance to establish an unassailable 2-0 lead.
“It was an outstanding performance. We are gearing up well for the World Cup and couldn’t have asked anything better from the lads,” said England captain Harry Brook. “Our batting looks good and so is our bowling, especially the spin department, as we know spin will be a key factor playing in this part of the world.”
Rain interrupted play with England at 57 for two in 7.2 overs, revising the original target of 190 to 168 in 17 overs under the DLS method. At that point, Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened their grip, putting England behind the required rate.
However, Brook quickly changed the course of the chase. He launched a powerful counter-attack, scoring 36 off just 12 deliveries, including two fours and four sixes, shifting the momentum firmly in England’s favour.
Brook’s onslaught reduced the target to a manageable 39 runs off 27 balls. From there, it was a matter of managing the bowling and capitalising on any loose deliveries.
Tom Banton played the finisher’s role perfectly, anchoring the chase with a fluent 54 off 33 balls as England crossed the line with two balls to spare.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 189 for five after being sent in to bat, but against England’s deep and versatile batting line-up, it was always going to require something extra.
Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara gave Sri Lanka a strong start, adding 56 runs off 33 balls. The middle order, which had struggled in the first match, stepped up to push the score to a competitive total.
Pavan Rathnayake, recalled in place of Dhananjaya de Silva, impressed with a composed 40 off 22 balls. Sri Lanka’s difficulties against spin were apparent in the first T20I, but Rathnayake addressed this weakness with nimble footwork and smart placement, showing promise amidst familiar challenges.
“Happy with the way we batted, and Pavan Rathnayake was very impressive today. I don’t think we finished off well, but we have learned our lessons and we will keep fighting,” said Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka.
Tuesday’s third T20I will be a dead rubber. England had also won the ODI series in Colombo last week with a come-from-behind victory.
(With Agency Inputs)
