England chased down Sri Lanka’s target in 12.1 overs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
CARDIFF, September 17, 2026: England defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the second T20I at Sophia Gardens to seal the three-match series with one match remaining.
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka made a strong start and reached 55 without loss in the Powerplay. However, England’s bowlers soon turned the game around, reducing Sri Lanka to 95 for five before further wickets at the death left them below 150.
Player of the Match Liam Dawson led England’s attack with 3-32 from four overs, while Jamie Overton made an important breakthrough in the middle order. Sonny Baker, Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid also contributed as England maintained pressure throughout the innings.
Buttler reaches 15,000 T20 runs
England began their chase aggressively, with the openers taking advantage of the conditions. Although both were dismissed shortly after the Powerplay, Jos Buttler reached another milestone by becoming the first batter to surpass 15,000 runs in T20 cricket.
Captain Harry Brook added a quick contribution before Tom Banton took control of the chase. Banton’s unbeaten half-century guided England to victory in just 12.1 overs.
The win extended England’s winning streak against Sri Lanka in T20Is to 14 consecutive matches.
Brook praises Dawson’s impact
After the match, Brook praised England’s performance, particularly their aggressive start and Dawson’s contribution with the ball.
The captain said England’s decision to select two spinners had paid off and described Dawson as a bowler who consistently delivers results.
Brook also praised Buttler, calling him a phenomenal player, and said England were delighted to have secured the series.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka admitted his team were disappointed after losing several wickets in quick succession following a promising Powerplay.
Asalanka acknowledged England’s quality and said Sri Lanka would need to make difficult decisions and improve before the final match.
Dawson said his approach was to keep things simple by bowling consistently at the stumps and maintaining disciplined lines and lengths.
Third T20I in Manchester
With the series already decided, the third and final T20I will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday, September 19, starting at 1.30pm GMT.
England will now look to complete a clean sweep, while Sri Lanka will aim to end their long T20I losing streak against England before the teams move on to the ODI series.