England won a thrilling six-wicket match against Sri Lanka in the rain-interrupted second T20I, chasing down a revised DLS target with two balls to spare. A match-winning unbeaten half-century by Tom Banton turned out to be the turning point for England, who managed to keep the series alive.

Sri Lanka Posts Competitive Total

Sri Lanka started their innings positively, scoring 58 runs in the powerplay with one wicket down. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mishara added some quick runs to the total, reaching 50 in just 4.3 overs, thanks to some extras.

Sri Lanka reached the 100-run mark in 9.6 overs, with Mishara still holding the innings together. At the halfway mark, the visitors were in a comfortable position at 102/1, with Mishara and Bhanuka Rajapaksa Mendis adding some quick runs to the total.
 

The middle overs saw a lot of reviews being taken by both teams. Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, and Charith Asalanka got out due to DRS reviews, although they slowed down Sri Lanka’s momentum slightly.

However, the late performances ensured a good finish. Sri Lanka reached 150 in 16.3 overs, and although they lost some wickets, they scored a good 189/5 in the end. Charith Asalanka remained unbeaten with 28, while extras again contributed to increasing the score.

Rain Changes the Game for England

England’s innings started well, but not without some hiccups. They scored 51 runs in the powerplay, losing two wickets. Jos Buttler looked in good touch at the crease, but rain stopped play at 57/2 in 7.2 overs, with the outfield becoming more and more wet.

After the delay, the target was changed using the DLS system to 168 runs in 17 overs, setting up a thrilling finish.

England batted confidently after the break. They reached 100 in 10.5 overs and overcame 150 in just 14.1 overs, putting Sri Lanka under pressure.
Tom Banton Steals the Show

The hero of the match was Tom Banton, who played an incredible knock under pressure. He hit 54 off 33 balls*, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, reaching his fifty in just 29 balls.

Banton’s composed performance at the crease ensured that England remained ahead of the DLS par score, and England finally finished the match at 173/4 in 16.4 overs, winning the match by 6 wickets with 2 balls remaining.

Match Summary

Sri Lanka: 189/5 (20 overs)

England: 173/4 (16.4 overs, DLS target 168)

Result: England won by 6 wickets (DLS method)

Man of the Match: Tom Banton (54* off 33)

The composed performance by England in the chase and Tom Banton’s match-winning knock made this rain-interrupted match a memorable one, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.