20 September,2026 11:12 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Jos Buttler (Pic: AFP)
Jos Buttler produced an explosive unbeaten knock of 62 in 32 deliveries as England effortlessly chased down a target of 125 in only 9.4 overs, securing an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka to complete a 3-0 T20I series sweep at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Sri Lanka were dismissed for 124 in 18.5 overs after England's bowling attack applied constant pressure, with Sonny Baker, Jofra Archer, and Will Jacks taking two wickets each.
The clinical victory enabled England to reclaim the ICC men's T20I top ranking from India, while marking Sri Lanka's 15th straight T20I defeat against the hosts.
Buttler and Harry Brook spearheaded England's swift run chase, building an 85-run stand off merely 39 balls. England stormed to 82 for one within the powerplay, effectively putting the contest to bed.
Brook contributed 26 before a run-out ended his innings, while Buttler finished the chase in style by hitting a six over square leg. This blistering effort followed his milestone of passing 15,000 T20 runs in the previous game. Aneurin Donald was the only other batter dismissed, stumped off Tharindu Ratnayake, as England closed out the match with 62 deliveries remaining.
Choosing to field first, England bundled out Sri Lanka for a very low score. Pathum Nissanka offered early momentum with 36 off 24 balls, while Kamindu Mendis added 35 off 28 deliveries.
However, frequent fall of wickets prevented any substantial partnerships from forming, locking Sri Lanka into their lowest first-innings T20I total at Old Trafford since 2018.
Player of the Match Baker led the attack with figures of two for 17 in 3.5 overs, concluding a brilliant debut series with six total wickets at an economy rate of 6.58. Archer picked up two for 23, while Jacks collected two for 31. Liam Dawson and Jamie Overton took a wicket each, leaving Adil Rashid as the lone wicketless bowler.
Sri Lanka's woes were mirrored by captain Charith Asalanka, who managed efforts of 16, 31, and 10 across the three matches, adding to the visitors' top-order concerns. England sealed the series 3-0 and climbed to the top of the ICC T20 rankings.
