Buttler reaches 15,000 T20 runs as England seal Sri Lanka series

CARDIFF, Wales : Jos Buttler became the first batter to score 15,000 career Twenty20 runs as England beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in Cardiff on Thursday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

England, who won Tuesday’s opening match in Southampton by 119 runs, reached their target of 146 with 47 balls to spare at Sophia Gardens.

Sri Lanka made a quick start after being asked to bat, reaching 56-0 before losing their first wicket to Liam Dawson. Dawson struck again with the next ball and finished with 3-32 to help restrict Sri Lanka to 145-9 from their 20 overs.

Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 37 from 21 balls, while Jofra Archer took 2-34 on his return to the side for his 50th T20 international.

Sonny Baker followed his three-wicket haul in the opening match with 1-15 from four overs, including a wicket maiden in the 19th over.

England reached 48 without loss after four overs before Aneurin Donald was dismissed for 21 and Buttler fell for 30, leaving them 55-2.

Captain Harry Brook hit three sixes in an over but was dismissed for 23, with Tom Banton completing the chase with an unbeaten 52 from 24 balls.

Buttler reached the 15,000-run milestone with a single during his innings, becoming the first batter to reach the mark in T20 cricket.

The result gave England their 14th consecutive T20 victory over Sri Lanka and secured the series with one match remaining.

The teams meet again at Manchester’s Old Trafford on Saturday for the final T20 international.