England Beat Sri Lanka in Rain-Hit 2nd T20, Seal Series

Tom Banton’s unbeaten half-century guided England to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the rain-shortened second T20 on Sunday, giving the visitors an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a revised target of 168 under the DLS method, England reached 173 for four with two balls to spare after the match was reduced to 17 overs per side. Banton struck 54 not out from 33 deliveries, hitting three sixes and four fours, while Jos Buttler chipped in with a fluent 39 off 29 balls.

Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 189 for five from their 20 overs after being put in to bat, with Pavan Rathnayake top-scoring with a brisk 40 from 22 balls. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara provided a solid opening stand before England’s bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs.

Rain interrupted England’s chase when they were behind the par score, but Banton and Buttler steadied the innings after the restart. Captain Harry Brook and Sam Curran then added quick runs at the death to seal the win.

Sri Lanka had also lost the rain-affected series opener, leaving England to wrap up the series with one match still to play ahead of the T20 World Cup.