England launched their T20 series against Sri Lanka with a dominant 119-run victory in Southampton, propelled by a blistering century from captain Harry Brook. Batting first after losing the toss, the hosts mounted an aggressive assault from the start, storming to 90 for 1 inside the six-over powerplay before finishing on a massive 254 for 4.
Brook led the charge with an unbeaten 114 off just 49 balls, a devastating knock featuring 10 boundaries and 6 sixes. He formed a destructive 128-run partnership off only 60 balls alongside Jos Buttler, who smashed 80 off 44 deliveries with 8 fours and 3 sixes. Top-order contributions also included Will Jacks with 21 and Tom Banton with 10.
Faced with a daunting target of 255, Sri Lanka’s chase stumbled early as they lost three wickets during the powerplay. Dunith Wellalage top-scored with 33 and Dasun Shanaka added 24, but no other Sri Lankan batter managed to reach double figures. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 135. Sonny Baker spearheaded the English bowling attack with 3 wickets, while Liam Dawson and Jamie Overton took two apiece, and three other bowlers picked up a wicket each.
