Manchester, Sep 20 (V7N)- Jos Buttler struck an unbeaten half-century as England defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third T20I on Saturday, completing a 3-0 series sweep and reclaiming the top spot in the T20I world rankings.
England chased down Sri Lanka's target of 125 in just 9.4 overs, finishing on 126 for two with 62 balls to spare. The victory was also England's 15th consecutive T20I win over Sri Lanka.
After winning the toss and choosing to field, England bowled Sri Lanka out for 124 in 18.5 overs. Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 36 off 24 balls, while Kamindu Mendis contributed 35 from 28.
Sonny Baker, Jofra Archer and Will Jacks took two wickets each for England. Baker was named Player of the Match for his 2-17 spell.
Sri Lanka made a promising start but lost wickets regularly as their innings progressed. Captain Charith Asalanka was run out for 16, while Wanindu Hasaranga was dismissed for a duck after dislodging the bails while attempting a shot.
England also lost an early wicket, with Aneurin Donald departing for 13. But Buttler and Harry Brook quickly took control, taking England to 82 for one by the end of the powerplay.
Buttler finished unbeaten on 62 from 32 deliveries, including seven fours and two sixes. He reached his half-century with a six and sealed the match with another maximum. Brook scored 33 from 21 balls before being dismissed.
Brook was named Player of the Series after finishing as the leading run-scorer across the three matches. England had won the opening T20I by 119 runs and the second by six wickets before completing the clean sweep in Manchester.
Sri Lanka's bowling also came under pressure, with the visitors conceding nine wides during the short England chase. Asalanka acknowledged his team's shortcomings in both batting and bowling after the series.
England and Sri Lanka will now turn their attention to a three-match ODI series, with the first match scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, at Chester-le-Street in Durham.
END/SMA/AJ
