England beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third T20I at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday to complete a 3-0 series sweep.The hosts chased down Sri Lanka’s 125-run target with 62 balls to spare. The win also helped England move back to the top of the T20 world rankings, replacing India.It was England’s 15th straight T20 win over Sri Lanka.
Buttler leads easy chase
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 124 with seven balls left in their innings.Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 36 off 24 balls, while Kamindu Mendis made 35 off 28. Will Jacks, Jofra Archer and Player of the Match Sonny Baker took two wickets each for England.England lost opener Aneurin Donald for 13, but Jos Buttler and Harry Brook quickly took control.Buttler smashed an unbeaten 62 off 32 balls, while Brook made 33. England reached 126-2 in just 9.4 overs.Buttler had earlier become the first batter to score 15,000 career T20 runs on Thursday.
Brook, Asalanka reflect on series
Brook finished as the highest run-scorer and was named Player of the Series.“I think everybody stepped up in this series,” said Brook. “Every game has been slightly different and we’re playing the conditions extremely well.”Sri Lanka’s bowling also struggled, giving away nine wides, including two that went for four.Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka called the series a major disappointment for his team.“A very disappointing series for us in both the major departments, batting and bowling… this is an important eye-opener for us of where we stand right now in T20 cricket comparing to the best teams in the world,” said Asalanka.“This is a time to get together as players, support staff, and our Sri Lanka cricket board as well to find solutions for these T20 problems. These are the best 15 players right now so we have to find solutions in the right way.”England had won the first T20I in Southampton by 119 runs, with Brook scoring an unbeaten 114.England will next face Sri Lanka in three ODIs, starting at Durham’s Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.
