England climbed to the pinnacle of the T20 world rankings on Saturday following a dominant eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Manchester. The result completed a 3-0 series whitewash, marking England’s 15th consecutive win over the visitors in the format.
Chasing a target of just 125, the hosts reached 126-2 with 62 balls to spare. Despite losing opener Aneurin Donald for 13, Jos Buttler and captain Harry Brook quickly seized control. By the end of the six-over powerplay, England had reached 82-1. Buttler, who earlier in the week became the first batsman to tally 15,000 career T20 runs, finished with an unbeaten 62 off 32 deliveries. Brook, who was named player of the series, contributed 33 before being run out.
Reflecting on the performance, Brook noted, “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 batting lineup faltered under pressure at Old Trafford, collapsing to 124 all out with seven balls remaining. Pathum Nissanka led the scoring with 36 off 24 balls, while Kamindu Mendis added 35 from 28 deliveries. The collapse accelerated after captain Charith Asalanka was run out for 16, leaving the team at 83-4.
Bowling for England, Sonny Baker was named Player of the Match, claiming two wickets alongside Jofra Archer and Will Jacks. The visitors also conceded nine wides, with two crossing the boundary rope. Notable dismissals included Wanindu Hasaranga, who dislodged his own bail while swinging at an Archer delivery, and Eshan Malinga, who was run out for a duck.
Asalanka acknowledged the struggles, calling the series an “eye-opener.” He emphasized that the team, staff, and board must collaborate to resolve their deficiencies in both batting and bowling to better compete against top-tier nations.
England, who remained unchanged from their victory in Cardiff on Thursday, now transition to a three-match one-day international series against Sri Lanka. The ODIs begin Tuesday in Durham, followed by fixtures at Headingley and the Oval.
Separately, English fast bowler Brydon Carse has been cleared by Derbyshire Police, who confirmed that their investigation into an alleged assault has been closed with no charges filed. However, the 31-year-old remains under a separate review by the Cricket Regulator to determine if he faces any breaches of their disciplinary code. 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. The report also notes that will Jacks, Jofra Archer and Player of the Match Sonny Baker took two wickets each as Sri Lanka faded after ending their powerplay at 47-2. The report also notes that “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. The report also notes that with Brook scoring an unbeaten 114, england won the first T20 in Southampton by 119 runs.
