England secured a convincing six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 international on Sunday at Pallekele, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare. The series, serving as a warm-up for the upcoming T20 World Cup co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, reinforced England’s status as one of the tournament favorites. 

After narrowly winning the opener by 11 runs, the tourists produced another clinical performance to take an unassailable 2-0 lead. “It was an outstanding performance. We are gearing up well for the World Cup and couldn’t have asked anything better from the lads,” said England captain Harry Brook. “Our batting looks good and so is our bowling, especially the spin department, as spin will be a key factor in this part of the world.” 

Rain interrupted the match with England at 57 for two in 7.2 overs, leading to a revised target of 168 in 17 overs under the DLS method. At that point, Sri Lanka’s spinners had pegged back England, keeping the tourists behind the required rate. Brook, however, quickly turned the tide, launching a blistering 36 off just 12 balls, including two fours and four towering sixes, putting England firmly back in control.

His assault reduced the chase to 39 runs off 27 balls, after which England calmly finished the job. Tom Banton played the finisher’s role, scoring a fluent 54 off 33 balls, guiding England past the target with two balls to spare. Sri Lanka had posted a competitive 189 for five after being sent in to bat. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara provided a solid start, adding 56 off 33 balls, while the middle order contributed to push the total to a challenging level. 

Recalled in place of Dhananjaya de Silva, Pavan Rathnayake impressed with a composed 40 off 22 balls. Although Sri Lanka’s weakness against spin had been exposed in the first T20I, Rathnayake’s nimble footwork and smart shot selection offered hope amid ongoing concerns for the hosts.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)