England won by eight wickets with 62 balls remaining as Jos Buttler’s 62 powered a ruthless chase of 125 against Sri Lanka in the third T20I. Sonny Baker, named Player of the Match after taking two wickets, helped restrict Sri Lanka to 124 in 18.5 overs before England reached 126 for 2 in just 9.4 overs to take an unassailable 3-0 T20 series lead.

It was another emphatic result for England after their 119-run victory in the opening T20I and six-wicket win with 47 balls remaining in the second match. This result seals the T20 leg 3-0, with the tour now moving on to three ODIs.

Baker and England’s attack keep Sri Lanka to 124

Sri Lanka’s innings never developed the momentum needed to challenge England. Pathum Nissanka made 36 and Kamindu Mendis contributed 35, but neither innings was converted into the substantial score Sri Lanka required. Charith Asalanka added 16 as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 124 with seven balls of their allocation unused.

Baker’s two wickets earned him the Player of the Match award, while Jofra Archer and Will Jacks also claimed two wickets apiece. England’s bowlers repeatedly broke Sri Lanka’s progress and ensured that the middle and lower order could not build on the foundation provided by Nissanka and Mendis.

Buttler makes a modest target disappear

Any prospect of Sri Lanka defending 124 vanished in a blistering England response led by Buttler’s 62. Harry Brook supplied 33, while Aneurin Donald made 13, as England surged to 126 for 2 in 9.4 overs.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers had no answer to the pace of the chase. Tharindu Ratnayake took 1 for 28 from two overs, but Nuwan Thushara went wicketless for 29 from two, Dilshan Madushanka conceded 24 without a wicket in two, and Eshan Malinga’s 1.4 overs cost 34. Wanindu Hasaranga was the most economical of the visitors’ bowlers, returning 0 for 11 from two overs, yet England’s intent at the other end overwhelmed Sri Lanka.

Key performers

  • Jos Buttler: 62 runs in England’s 126 for 2.
  • Harry Brook: 33 runs in the rapid chase.
  • Sonny Baker: two wickets and Player of the Match.
  • Jofra Archer: two wickets.
  • Will Jacks: two wickets.
  • Pathum Nissanka: 36 runs for Sri Lanka.
  • Kamindu Mendis: 35 runs for Sri Lanka.

NerdSports Stat: England needed only 58 of the 120 balls available to chase 125, leaving 62 balls unused in a nine-over demolition.

What next?

England have completed a 3-0 T20 series triumph, but there is no long pause in the schedule. The sides meet again in the first ODI on Tuesday, September 22, before further ODIs on September 24 and September 27.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between England and Sri Lanka?

England won the match by eight wickets with 62 balls remaining.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Sonny Baker was named Player of the Match for taking two wickets.

What is the series standing after this match?

England lead the T20 series 3-0 after winning all three matches.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Jos Buttler top-scored with 62 runs.

When is the next match in the series?

The next match is the first ODI between England and Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 22.