Delhi: Thanks to star batsman Tom Banton’s unbeaten half-century, England defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis rule (DLS) in the second T20 International. This match was played in Pallekele, where rain disrupted the game several times, but England showed excellent control over the conditions.

Pressure of DLS target, but England remained strong

When the game was stopped due to rain, England had lost two wickets for 57 runs in 7.2 overs. Phil Salt and Jacob Bethel had returned to the pavilion. When play resumed, England got a revised target of 168 runs in 17 overs. Captain Jos Buttler took charge of the innings by scoring 39 runs in 29 balls and laid the foundation of the run chase.

Harry Brook’s stormy innings changed the course of the match

Harry Brook breathed life into the match by batting very aggressively. He scored 36 runs in just 12 balls, which included 4 sixes. However, he was out while trying to play a risky shot off the ball of Mathisha Pathirana, but by then England had fully returned to the match.

Intelligent finishing by Tom Banton

On the last 33 balls, when England needed 38 runs, Tom Banton took the responsibility. Showing an excellent balance of aggression and composure, he scored unbeaten 54 runs in 33 balls and took the team closer to victory. The match went till the last over, where Sam Curran hit a six off Janith Liyanage to give England victory with two balls remaining.

Sri Lanka’s fast start, but falters in the middle overs

Earlier, Sri Lanka, batting first, scored 189 runs losing 5 wickets in 20 overs. Pawan Ratnayake top scored by scoring 40 runs in 22 balls. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara started the innings very fast and added 35 runs in the first two overs. However, after this the spinners of England tightened the noose on the match.

England’s spinners showed their strength

In the middle overs, Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson and Will Jacques bowled brilliantly and controlled Sri Lanka’s run rate. All three spinners took one wicket each and gave only 81 runs in 12 overs, which is a positive sign for England in subcontinental conditions. Adil Rashid’s googly still remains a challenge for the batsmen, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka also became its victim.

Slight concern about fast bowling

While the spin department gave confidence, fast bowling was a matter of some concern for England. Jamie Overton struggled with line-length, while Sam Curran proved costly in the initial overs. Joffra Archer, however, bounced back with two wickets and bowled effectively in the death overs.

Capture the series, increase confidence before the World Cup

With this victory, England has achieved an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series. Now one match is left, after which the England team will start its T20 World Cup campaign against Nepal on 8 February.

Just before the World Cup, such a win has definitely strengthened England’s confidence, especially in the spin department.

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