Advertisement

Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd T20I Match Summary

SL vs ENG, 2026 - T20 Summary

Sri Lanka vs England Scorecard
Share
Match Ended   
189/5 (20.0/20)
173/4 (16.4/17)
England beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets (DLS method)
SL 189/5
Bat Top Batsmen
40 (22)
  • 5x4s
  • 1x6s
  • 181.81SR
36 (30)
  • 2x4s
  • 2x6s
  • 120SR
Bowl Top Bowlers
Bowler
ECON 10.50
4
OVERS
42/2
R/W
Bowler
ECON 6.00
4
OVERS
24/1
R/W
ENG 173/4
Bat Top Batsmen
54 (33)
  • 4x4s
  • 3x6s
  • 163.63SR
39 (29)
  • 6x4s
  • 0x6s
  • 134.48SR
Bowl Top Bowlers
Bowler
ECON 11.75
4
OVERS
47/2
R/W
Bowler
ECON 8.00
3
OVERS
24/1
R/W
Advertisement
Series win for England with a game to spare - As the dust settles at the Pallekele International Stadium, England emerges as the dominant force, clinching the series 2-0 with a clinical six-wicket victory. While Sri Lanka showed flashes of brilliance with a much-improved batting display, the explosive power of the English middle order and a timely assist from the weather proved too much for the hosts to overcome. Don't miss the third and final T20I of this series, which will be played on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The action is scheduled to begin at 1.30 pm GMT. Until then, it’s goodbye!
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Tom Banton, for his knock of 54 off 33, has been awarded the POTM. Tom expressed his excitement about embracing a new middle-order role with England despite having spent most of his career as an opener. He explained that the challenging Pallekele surface required careful assessment due to the spinners finding significant grip, noting that the ability to sweep is essential on tracks with such hold and turn. Banton, who voiced his ambition to represent England across all formats, shared his satisfaction in achieving the team's primary goal of clinching the series on Sri Lankan soil.
England captain - Harry Brook praised his side's outstanding performance, noting that their ability to adapt to the challenging Pallekele conditions with the bat was key to securing the series win. He highlighted the value of gaining more time in the middle for the batting unit, specifically lauding Tom Banton’s awesome half-century as a vital contribution to the chase. Brook also commended his spinners for their versatility in both mopping up the middle overs and showing the skill to bowl during the Powerplay. Expressing immense confidence in England's depth, the skipper noted that with players like Will Jacks still in reserve, the team backs their extensive batting lineup to get the job done in any situation.
Sri Lanka captain - Dasun Shanaka reflected on the defeat by noting that while the team executed many elements correctly, the outcome was not merely a result of the weather. He pointed to the injury of key death bowler Eshan Malinga as a significant setback and praised the impressive performance of Pavan Rathnayake, though he lamented the batting unit's inability to capitalise on their strong starts. Shanaka conceded that the batters should have shown more respect to the clinical Adil Rashid and acknowledged that while they rely on spin-friendly home tracks for an advantage, international teams are becoming much more proficient at playing on such surfaces.
Time for the presentation ceremony ...
Lankan batters shine on a spin-friendly deck - Despite the loss, Sri Lanka can take immense pride in their batting display. On a surface that offered significant turn and grip, the hosts navigated the spin threat beautifully to post a formidable total of 189. It was a vastly improved outing for the Lankan lineup, though the coaching staff will likely emphasize the importance of conversion. While several players looked comfortable and aggressive, the lack of a big knock to anchor the innings meant they fell just short of a truly untouchable score.
Bowling efforts and injury concerns - For the Sri Lankan bowling unit, Matheesha Pathirana was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Dasun Shanaka and Dunith Wellalage claimed one apiece. However, the result was marred by a significant injury to Eshan Malinga. As a key part of their attack, his fitness is now a major concern for Sri Lanka as they prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. England now heads into the final match looking for a clean sweep, while the hosts will be desperate to salvage pride and assess their injury list.
Brook’s blitz and Banton’s mastery - The resumption of play saw a masterclass in aggressive T20 batting. Although Jos Buttler fell shortly after the break, captain Harry Brook walked out and virtually ended the contest in a mere 12 deliveries. His blistering 36 runs broke the backbone of the Sri Lankan defense and pushed the hosts out of the game. Tom Banton provided the perfect anchor, finishing as the top scorer with a vital half-century. Aside from Phil Salt, the entire English middle order feasted on the Lankan attack, smashing boundaries to all parts of the ground.
The rain break and a skidding surface - England's chase of 190 began under a cloud of uncertainty, both literally and figuratively. They lost Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell early, and when rain halted play at 57/2 after 7.2 overs, the hosts seemed to have the upper hand. However, the interruption led to a revised target of 168 in 17 overs. Crucially, the rain changed the nature of the pitch as the ball, which had been gripping stubbornly for the spinners, began to skid off the damp surface, playing right into the hands of the English power-hitters.
England seal series with a thumping win - Congratulations to England on a commanding six-wicket victory at Pallekele, a win that officially secures them the three-match series with a game to spare! On a day where the weather threatened to dampen spirits, the visitors showed immense tactical depth to chase down a steep revised target with remarkable ease.
Over 16.4 : 173/4
8 Runs
  • 016.1
  • 216.2
  • 016.3
  • 616.4
S. Curran
20 (14)
T. Banton
54 (33)
J. Liyanage
1.2-0-18-0
16.4
6
Janith Liyanage To Sam Curran
SIX! England have won this by 6 wickets. Short and around middle anSam Curran stays leg side and pulls this over the fence towards the long on region and clears the fence for a biggie.
16.3
0
Janith Liyanage To Sam Curran
Hard length on off, Sam Curran smashes this to mid on for no run.
16.2
2
Janith Liyanage To Sam Curran
Good length around middle and off, Sam Curran flicks this through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. SCORES ARE LEVEL.
16.1
0
Janith Liyanage To Sam Curran
Slower one, around of short as well. Sam Curran leaves it.
Over 16 : 165/4
8 Runs
  • 115.1
  • 115.2
  • 115.3
  • 1 WD 15.4
  • 215.4
  • 115.5
  • 115.6
S. Curran
12 (10)
T. Banton
54 (33)
M. Pathirana
4-0-47-2
15.6
1
Matheesha Pathirana To Sam Curran
On a length around off, Sam Curran dabs this to the third man region for a single.
15.5
1
Matheesha Pathirana To Tom Banton
Wide yorker around off, Tom Banton guides this to deep point for a single.
15.4
2
Matheesha Pathirana To Tom Banton
Good length around middle and off, Tom Banton fends this through mid-wicket and sprints for a brace.
15.4
wd
Matheesha Pathirana To Tom Banton
WIDE! Short and way too wide of off. Wided.
15.3
1
Matheesha Pathirana To Sam Curran
On a length around middle and off, Sam Curran rolls this through mid on for a run.
15.2
1
Matheesha Pathirana To Tom Banton
Good length on off, Tom Banton dabs this towards Dasun at covers and takes a single. Dasun Shanaka hits the stumps at the no-striker's end but Tom Banton seems to have made his ground easily. THe replay confirms that Tom was well in when the ball hit the stumps.
15.1
1
Matheesha Pathirana To Sam Curran
Good length around middle and leg, Sam Curran clips this through mid-wicket for a single.
Over 15 : 157/4
8 Runs
  • 114.1
  • 214.2
  • 014.3
  • 114.4
  • 414.5
  • 014.6
T. Banton
50 (30)
S. Curran
9 (7)
D. Shanaka
3-0-24-1
14.6
0
Dasun Shanaka To Tom Banton
Good length around off, Tom Banton pokes and misses.
14.5
4
Dasun Shanaka To Tom Banton
FOUR! FIFTY FOR BANTON! On a length, drifting down the leg, Tom Banton hangs onto the back foot and flicks this past the right of the fielder at long on for a boundary. Excellent knock from Tom Banton and he has surely taken his chances on this tour of SL.
14.4
1
Dasun Shanaka To Sam Curran
Short and on off, Sam Curran pulls this to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.3
0
Dasun Shanaka To Sam Curran
Good length around off, Sam Curran drops this around the onside and Tom was off for a run but is sent back. Dasun fields this in his followthrough and tries to catch Tom Banton out of his crease with a direct hit towards the non-striker's end but misses.
14.2
2
Dasun Shanaka To Sam Curran
Good length on the pads, Sam Curran tucks this through mid-wicket for a single.
14.1
1
Dasun Shanaka To Tom Banton
Good length around off, Tom Banton punches this past the bowler to his right for one.
19 more needed off the last 18 balls.
Over 14 : 149/4
17 Runs
  • 413.1
  • 113.2
  • 413.3
  • 113.4
  • 1 WD 13.5
  • 413.5
  • 1 WD 13.6
  • 113.6
T. Banton
45 (27)
S. Curran
6 (4)
W. Hasaranga
4-0-44-0
13.6
1
Wanindu Hasaranga To Tom Banton
Pushed through on middle and off, Tom Banton gets this in the gap for a run.
13.6
wd
Wanindu Hasaranga To Tom Banton
WIDE! Fired down the leg. Wide again.
16 OV
8 Runs
M. Pathirana to S. Curran T. Banton
  • 115.1
  • 115.2
  • 115.3
  • 1 WD 15.4
  • 215.4
  • 115.5
  • 115.6
15 OV
8 Runs
D. Shanaka to T. Banton S. Curran
  • 114.1
  • 214.2
  • 014.3
  • 114.4
  • 414.5
  • 014.6
14 OV
17 Runs
W. Hasaranga to T. Banton S. Curran
  • 413.1
  • 113.2
  • 413.3
  • 113.4
  • 1 WD 13.5
  • 413.5
  • 1 WD 13.6
  • 113.6
13 OV
15 Runs
M. Pathirana to H. Brook S. Curran T. Banton
  • 1 WD 12.1
  • 612.1
  • 612.2
  • W 12.3
  • 112.4
  • 112.5
  • 012.6
12 OV
10 Runs
W. Hasaranga to T. Banton H. Brook
  • 011.1
  • 111.2
  • 611.3
  • 111.4
  • 111.5
  • 111.6
11 OV
14 Runs
M. Pathirana to T. Banton H. Brook
  • 110.1
  • 110.2
  • 110.3
  • 010.4
  • 1 WD 10.5
  • 410.5
  • 610.6
10 OV
12 Runs
D. Wellalage to J. Buttler H. Brook T. Banton
  • W 9.1
  • 19.2
  • 09.3
  • 69.4
  • 19.5
  • 49.6
9 OV
12 Runs
W. Hasaranga to T. Banton J. Buttler
  • 18.1
  • 28.2
  • 18.3
  • 68.4
  • 18.5
  • 18.6
8 OV
12 Runs
E. Malinga J. Liyanage to J. Buttler T. Banton
  • 07.1
  • 17.2
  • 2 NB 7.3
  • 17.3
  • 47.4
  • 17.5
  • 47.6
7 OV
5 Runs
W. Hasaranga to J. Buttler T. Banton
  • 06.1
  • 06.2
  • 36.3
  • 06.4
  • 16.5
  • 16.6
6 OV
12 Runs
D. Wellalage to T. Banton J. Buttler
  • 05.1
  • 05.2
  • 65.3
  • 15.4
  • 45.5
  • 15.6
5 OV
5 Runs
D. Shanaka to J. Bethell T. Banton J. Buttler
  • 44.1
  • 04.2
  • W 4.3
  • 04.4
  • 14.5
  • 04.6
4 OV
3 Runs
E. Malinga to J. Bethell J. Buttler
  • 03.1
  • 03.2
  • 23.3
  • 03.4
  • 13.5
  • 03.6
3 OV
10 Runs
D. Wellalage to J. Buttler J. Bethell
  • 02.1
  • 42.2
  • 02.3
  • 12.4
  • 12.5
  • 4 B 2.6
2 OV
11 Runs
D. Shanaka to J. Buttler J. Bethell
  • 11.1
  • 11.2
  • 01.3
  • 41.4
  • 11.5
  • 41.6
1 OV
10 Runs
M. Pathirana to P. Salt J. Buttler
  • 10.1
  • 40.2
  • 40.3
  • 00.4
  • 10.5
  • W 0.6
Match Info
  • Venue Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
  • Weather Clear
  • Toss England won the toss and elected to field
  • Result England beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets (DLS method)
  • Player of the Match Tom Banton
  • Umpire Chamara De Zoysa (SL), Ravindra Kottahachchi (SL) and Nimali Perera (SL)
  • Referee Vengalil Narayanan Kutty (IND)
Match Notes
  • Innings Break: Sri Lanka 189/5 in 20.0 overs
  • 5th wkt Partnership: 50 off 32 balls between P Rathnayake (24) and C Asalanka (27)
  • Sri Lanka 150/4 in 16.3 overs
  • P Rathnayake dropped on 12 by T Banton in 11.6 overs
  • Sri Lanka 102/1 in 10.0 overs
  • Referral 3 (15.1 ovs): ENG against C Asalanka (LBW) Unsuccessful (SL: 1, ENG: 0)
  • Referral 2 (13.4 ovs): D Shanaka against ENG (LBW) Unsuccessful (SL: 1, ENG: 1)
  • 2nd wkt Partnership: 50 off 31 balls between K Mishara (21) and K Mendis (25)
  • Drinks: Sri Lanka 102/1 in 10.0 overs
  • Referral 1 (9.4 ovs): ENG against K Mishara (LBW) Unsuccessful (SL: 2, ENG: 1)
  • Mandatory Power play (1-6): Sri Lanka 58/1
  • 1st wkt Partnership: 52 off 27 balls between P Nissanka (32) and K Mishara (14)
  • Sri Lanka 52/0 in 4.3 overs
  • T Banton 3rd T20I fifty: 50 runs in 29 balls (4x4) (3x6)
  • England 150/4 in 14.1 overs
  • England 101/3 in 10.5 overs
  • Innings reduced to 17 overs due to rain
  • Rain Stoppage: England 57/2 in 7.2 overs
  • Mandatory Power play (1-6): England 51/2
  • England 50/2 in 5.5 overs
Advertisement
Match Poll

Who will win?

Latest Form
  • L
  • L
  • L
  • W
  • L
  • W
  • W
  • W
  • A
  • W
Worm
Advertisement

Cricket News