Pallekele: Tom Banton propelled England to a six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the second T20 international, securing a series win with an unbeaten half-century.
According to BBC, the match, which took place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, saw England chase a revised DLS target of 168 runs in 17 overs after rain interrupted play. England had been at 57-2 off 7.2 overs when rain halted proceedings, with Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell dismissed. Jos Buttler laid a strong foundation with a 29-ball 39, while Harry Brook added a rapid 36 off 12 balls, including four sixes, before being caught by Matheesha Pathirana.
With 38 runs needed from 33 balls, Banton maintained composure, finishing with 54 not out off 33 balls. His calculated aggression steered England to the brink of victory, with Sam Curran sealing the win by hitting Janith Liyanage for six in the final over.
Earlier, Sri Lanka set a competitive 189-5, led by Pavan Rathnayake's 40 off 22 balls, after being put in to bat by England. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara initiated an aggressive start, scoring 35 runs in the first two overs. However, England's spinners held back the hosts' momentum, with Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson, and Will Jacks each claiming a wicket. Jofra Archer took 2-42, despite seamers Jamie Overton and Curran being expensive and wicketless.
Banton's performance has bolstered his prospects for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Once considered inconsistent, the 27-year-old Somerset player showcased his growth and adaptability in the middle order. His innings featured strategic sweeps and reverse sweeps against Sri Lanka's spinners, highlighting his situational awareness. With Ben Duckett sidelined by a finger injury, Banton's place in the World Cup squad appears promising.
Meanwhile, England's spin department demonstrated control, taking three wickets for 81 runs at an economy rate of 6.75. Rashid's leg-spin proved crucial in breaking Sri Lanka's momentum, while Dawson and Jacks provided stability in the middle overs. England's seam bowling, however, faced challenges on the used pitch, with Overton and Curran struggling for precision. Archer, despite an early setback, performed effectively in the death overs.
England captain Harry Brook expressed confidence in the team's form ahead of the World Cup, emphasizing the importance of match experience. Sri Lanka's captain, Dasun Shanaka, acknowledged the impact of Eshan Malinga's injury on their death bowling and praised his batters' efforts, while also recognizing the effectiveness of England's spinners.