England asserted their dominance over Sri Lanka on Saturday at Old Trafford, securing an eight-wicket victory in the final T20 match to complete a 3-0 series whitewash. This result sees the hosts leapfrog India to return to the pinnacle of the T20 world rankings.
Chasing a target of 125, England reached their goal with 62 balls remaining, marking their 15th consecutive T20 victory against the tourists. Despite an early setback when opener Aneurin Donald was stumped for 13, Jos Buttler and captain Harry Brook quickly seized control, steering the side to 82-1 by the conclusion of the six-over powerplay.
Buttler, who recently became the first batsman to accumulate 15,000 career T20 runs, hammered an unbeaten 62 off 32 balls. He sealed the victory with a six, ending the match at 126-2. Brook, who finished as the top overall run-scorer and player of the series, contributed 33 before being run out. Reflecting on the performance, Brook stated, “I think everybody stepped up in this series. Every game has been slightly different and we’re playing the conditions extremely well.”
Sri Lanka’s innings struggled throughout, with the side bowled out for 124 in 18.5 overs. Their batting woes were compounded by nine wides, two of which reached the boundary. Pathum Nissanka top-scored for the visitors with 36 off 24 deliveries, while Kamindu Mendis chipped in with 35.
England’s bowlers maintained sustained pressure, with Sonny Baker, Will Jacks, and Jofra Archer claiming two wickets each. The collapse was punctuated by bizarre dismissals, including captain Charith Asalanka being run out for 16 and Wanindu Hasaranga knocking off his own bail while attempting a powerful swing.
Admitting the gap in class, Asalanka remarked, “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.” He added, “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.”
This series success follows England’s dominant 119-run win in the first match at Southampton, where Brook posted an unbeaten 114. The two nations are now set to transition to the one-day international format, with matches scheduled for next week in Durham, Leeds, and London.
In unrelated developments, Derbyshire Police confirmed that an investigation into an alleged assault involving England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been closed with no charges filed. However, the 31-year-old remains under scrutiny by the Cricket Regulator, which is assessing potential breaches of its own disciplinary regulations. The report also notes that after Sri Lanka collapsed to 124 all out with seven balls remaining, the hosts were 22-1 ‌after opener Aneurin Donald was stumped for 13 but Buttler and captain Harry Brook then stepped up and took control, ending the six-over powerplay at 82-1, chasing a modest 125. The report also notes that england, unchanged from the side that won the second T20 by six wickets in Cardiff on Thursday, again won the toss and opted to bowl as they chased the sweep, with a strong breeze blowing at Old Trafford.
