Harry Brook’s unbeaten 114 and Sonny Baker’s three-wicket haul power England to a commanding series-opening victory in Southampton.
SOUTHAMPTON: England made a dominant start to their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, securing a 119-run victory in the opening match at Southampton after a commanding all-round performance.
England posted 254/4 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first before bowling Sri Lanka out for 135 in 19 overs. The victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the series.
Brook and Buttler power England to 254
England lost debutant Aneurin Donald for 12 early in the innings, but the setback was quickly forgotten as captain Harry Brook and former captain Jos Buttler took control.
The pair added 128 runs for the second wicket from 60 balls, putting Sri Lanka’s bowling attack under sustained pressure.
Buttler smashed 80 from 44 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, while Brook produced the innings of the match.
Brook reached his century from just 42 balls and finished unbeaten on 114 from 49 deliveries, striking 10 fours and six sixes.
England’s powerplay produced 90/1, laying the foundation for their imposing total of 254/4.
Baker tears through Sri Lanka’s top order
Sri Lanka’s chase quickly came under pressure as England’s bowlers struck regularly.
Will Jacks provided the first breakthrough by having Pathum Nissanka caught for 12 before young fast bowler Sonny Baker produced an impressive opening spell.
Baker removed Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara and Maheesh Theekshana, helping reduce Sri Lanka to 32/3 during the powerplay.
He eventually finished with 3/12 from four overs, while Jamie Overton claimed 2/20.
Sri Lanka collapse under pressure
Captain Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka attempted to rebuild the innings, but England maintained control.
Shanaka scored 24 from 14 balls before being dismissed, while Asalanka was removed by Liam Dawson.
Adil Rashid then dismissed Shanaka before Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton added further wickets as Sri Lanka’s innings fell away.
Sri Lanka slipped from 69/4 to 76/7 before being bowled out for 135 in the 19th over. Dunith Wellalage top-scored for the visitors with 33 from 21 balls.
Brook named Player of the Match
Brook was named Player of the Match after his unbeaten 114.
His century was his first in 18 international innings across formats and England’s joint second-fastest T20I hundred, according to reports.
The England captain also highlighted the contribution of Baker and his partnership with Buttler after the match.
Asalanka admits Sri Lanka fell short
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka defended the decision to bowl first but acknowledged that his side had a difficult outing.
England’s aggressive batting put Sri Lanka under pressure from the beginning, while the visitors were unable to execute their bowling plans consistently.
Sri Lanka will now look to improve their batting, bowling and fielding ahead of the second match.
England lead three-match series 1-0
England’s victory gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The second match is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, in Cardiff, giving Sri Lanka an immediate opportunity to level the series.
England, meanwhile, will look to carry the momentum from their emphatic opening performance into the second T20I.