England seals T20 series with six-wicket win over Sri Lanka

England secured the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a six-wicket victory in the second match at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday. The win gives England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, England restricted Sri Lanka to 145 for nine in their 20 overs. Sri Lanka had started strongly, reaching 56 without loss in the powerplay, but a middle-order collapse saw them add only 12 runs from the final four overs. Liam Dawson was the pick of the England bowlers, taking three wickets, while Jamie Overton claimed two. England's chase was led by Tom Banton, who scored an unbeaten 52 from just 24 balls. His aggressive innings, featuring two fours and four sixes, ensured the hosts reached their target with significant overs to spare. The precise margin of victory was reported differently by sources, with accounts stating either 7.5 overs or just under seven overs remaining. England's innings was built on a rapid start from openers Jos Buttler and Aneurin Donald, who added 50 runs in the first five overs. During his innings, Buttler surpassed Kieron Pollard to become the leading run-scorer in T20 international cricket.