Tom Banton steers England to series-clinching win over Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I

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England sealed the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a six-wicket victory via the DLS method in the second encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 1. In a match heavily influenced by rain interruptions, Tom Banton’s composed yet attacking knock proved decisive as England successfully chased a revised target of 168 in 17 overs.

The win handed England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, showcasing their adaptability and depth in pressure situations.

Batting first after England opted to bowl, Sri Lanka put up an imposing 189 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. The hosts got off to a brisk start, led by Pathum Nissanka, who smashed 34 off just 22 balls before being cleaned up by Jofra Archer.

Nissanka was well supported by Kamil Mishara, whose fluent 36 off 30 deliveries helped Sri Lanka dominate the powerplay. The momentum continued with Kusal Mendis producing a rapid 32 from 17 balls, keeping the run rate well above nine an over.

However, England struck back in the middle overs. Liam Dawson removed Mendis, while Adil Rashid trapped skipper Dasun Shanaka lbw for a subdued 1, halting Sri Lanka’s charge.

Despite the setbacks, Sri Lanka maintained pressure through Pavan Rathnayake, who played an eye-catching cameo of 40 off 22 balls. Archer returned to dismiss Rathnayake at a crucial juncture, finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 42.

At the death, Charith Asalanka anchored the innings with an unbeaten 28, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed the 185-run mark. England’s bowlers, though expensive at times, managed to restrict further damage and prevented a late onslaught.

Rain soon followed, leading to a delay and a revised chase for England.

After nearly two hours of interruption, the match was reduced to 17 overs per side, with England set a DLS-adjusted target of 168. The scenario demanded a run rate of just under ten an over, placing immediate pressure on the visitors.

England’s reply began shakily as Philip Salt fell for 1, followed soon by Jacob Bethell, leaving England two down inside the powerplay. Jos Buttler counterattacked with a fluent 39 off 29 balls, but his dismissal once again opened the door for Sri Lanka.

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With wickets falling at regular intervals, Tom Banton emerged as England’s stabilising force. Promoted to the middle order, Banton played with maturity beyond his years, mixing clean hitting with smart rotation of strike.

Banton’s unbeaten 54 off 33 balls included three fours and three sixes, and he timed his acceleration perfectly during the final overs. His calm presence allowed England to keep pace with the DLS par score throughout the chase.

Captain Harry Brook provided a blistering cameo, scoring 36 off just 12 balls before falling to Matheesha Pathirana, but by then England were firmly in control.

All-rounder Sam Curran complemented Banton brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 20 off 14 balls. The duo ensured England crossed the line with two balls to spare, finishing on 173 for 4 in 16.4 overs.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain England once Banton settled in. Pathirana was expensive despite picking two wickets, while Wanindu Hasaranga could not apply his usual control.

For his batting brilliance, Tom Banton was adjudged Played of the Match.

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