England clinch series after Banton stars: 2nd T20 (Pallekele)

England sealed the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a composed performance in the rain-affected second match at Pallekele.

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 189/5, built around steady contributions from the top and middle order, with multiple batters chipping in to keep the scoreboard ticking on a surface that offered some assistance to spinners.

While the total looked challenging, England stayed calm knowing conditions could change under lights.

Rain interrupted England’s chase and revised the target under the Duckworth-Lewis method, but the visitors handled the pressure well. Tom Banton anchored the innings with an unbeaten half-century, supported by positive cameos from Jos Buttler and Harry Brook, ensuring the required rate never spiralled out of control.

England reached the target late in the innings to claim a six-wicket win and take an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka 189-5 (20.0 overs): Rathnayake 40 (22); Archer 2-42, Jacks 1-24 vs England 173-4 (16.4 overs): Banton 54* (33), Buttler 39 (29); Pathirana 2-47. England won by six wickets runs; lead three-match series 2-0.

Feb 2026.