Tom Banton fires England to T20I series win over Sri Lanka

Tom Banton struck an unbeaten 52 from 24 balls as England completed a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I at Cardiff on September 17, 2026, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. England reached 146 for 4 in 12.1 overs, with 47 balls remaining, after Sri Lanka had made 145 for 9.

The result followed England’s 119-run win in the opening match and ensured Harry Brook’s side wrapped up the series with a game to spare. Liam Dawson was named player of the match after returning 3 for 32, while Banton supplied the decisive acceleration in a chase that England controlled despite a brief wobble.

Sri Lanka lose momentum after fast start

Sri Lanka began positively through Pathum Nissanka, whose 37 from 21 balls helped take the visitors to 55 without loss after five overs. The opening burst included a 17-run over from Will Jacks, with Nissanka using the short, straight boundary and taking 14 from Jofra Archer’s first over.

But the innings changed sharply in the final over of the Powerplay. Dawson removed Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara in consecutive deliveries, leaving Sri Lanka 56 for 2 after six overs. Nissanka was central to the early scoring, contributing 33 of the runs by that stage, but his dismissal at the end of the ninth over halted the visitors further.

From 55 for 0 after five overs, Sri Lanka added only 90 for 9 across their final 15 overs. Charith Asalanka made 31 and Wanindu Hasaranga added 27, but England’s middle-overs bowling kept the scoring in check. Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid and Dawson delivered a controlled spell through the centre of the innings, with Dawson’s three wickets earning him the award.

Sri Lanka’s finish was particularly difficult. They scored only seven runs from their final three overs, including a wicket-maiden from Sonny Baker in the 19th, and closed on 145 for 9. Nissanka’s innings remained their top score, while Kamindu Mendis made 12 from eight balls.

Banton finishes England’s chase

England made a quick start in pursuit. Jos Buttler struck 30 and took 16 runs from the second over, bowled by Dilshan Madushanka. During that innings, Buttler reached 15,000 runs in all T20 cricket, moving one ahead of Kieron Pollard.

Aneurin Donald, playing at his boyhood county ground for Glamorgan, contributed 21 from 13 balls. His innings included a six over fine leg and two fours in succession against Dushmantha Chameera, although he later fell attempting a heave off Eshan Malinga.

England did lose wickets in the chase, with Buttler dismissed and Brook out for 23. Brook’s dismissal was his first in four innings, during which he had scored 311 runs. When England were 79 for 3 after seven overs, they still needed 69 from 78 balls, leaving Sri Lanka a small opening.

Banton closed that opening quickly. He reached his half-century from 24 deliveries and remained unbeaten on 52 as England moved within sight of the target. Jacks was also at the crease at the finish, and a succession of no-balls and wides preceded the winning moment, when he tucked the ball into midwicket.

England’s latest victory extended their record at Sophia Gardens to 10 wins in 12 completed T20Is. Since Brook took over last June, they have won 22 of 25 completed matches. More immediately, Banton’s finish and Dawson’s bowling gave England a second emphatic result in three days and put the T20I series beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.