Harry Brook's explosive 12-ball 36 powered England to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 international, securing the series with a game to spare. Chasing a revised target of 168 under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, Brook's onslaught over the off side turned the tide after a rain delay left England needing 87 from 7.5 overs.
Tom Banton anchored the chase with an unbeaten 54, making a strong case for a T20 World Cup spot. Sam Curran finished the match with two balls remaining, but the tension had dissipated earlier as Brook's fireworks reduced the required rate. England's win marked Jos Buttler's 402nd appearance, setting a new record for the country.
Sri Lanka had posted 189 for five, with Pathum Nissanka top-scoring with 34. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson claimed key wickets, but England's seamers struggled, conceding 103 runs in eight overs. Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer were expensive, and dropped catches added to England's woes.
Despite the fielding lapses, England's batting depth proved decisive. Brook's innings included three sixes off Matheesha Pathirana, echoing his century in the previous ODI. Banton and Curran saw England home, with the series victory coming after a one-hour rain break that reset the target.
“To get a series win in Sri Lanka is a special achievement,” said Banton. England now have two series wins in a week, having also taken the ODI series.
