Harry Brook’s explosive century and a superb bowling display give England a commanding win over Sri Lanka in 1st T20.
England produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 119 runs in Southampton.
After posting a huge 254/4, England’s bowlers dismantled the Sri Lankan chase. The visitors were eventually bowled out for just 135.
It gave England their biggest victory by runs in 1st T20 against Sri Lanka at Southampton. England chose to bat first and suffered an early setback.
Debutant Aneurin Donald fell for 12 in the third over. However, Harry Brook and Jos Buttler quickly took control.
The pair added a remarkable 128 runs for the second wicket. Buttler attacked from the start. He smashed 80 from 44 balls. Brook was even more destructive.
He reached his century from only 42 deliveries.The England batter finished unbeaten on 114 from 49 balls. As a result, England reached an imposing 254/4.
Wanindu Hasaranga picked up wickets and helped restrict the damage somewhat. However, Sri Lanka still faced a huge target.
Sri Lanka needed a rapid start to stay in the contest. Instead, England struck early. Will Jacks removed Pathum Nissanka for 12. Then Sonny Baker took charge.
The young pacer delivered an excellent opening spell. He dismissed Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara and Maheesh Theekshana.
Baker finished his initial spell with 2/9, including a maiden. Sri Lanka struggled to score freely. By the end of the Powerplay, they had slipped to 32/3.
England had already gained a firm grip on the chase. Dasun Shanaka briefly offered Sri Lanka some hope. He attacked the bowling and scored 24 from 14 balls.
However, England quickly ended his counterattack. Liam Dawson removed captain Charith Asalanka. Adil Rashid then deceived Shanaka into a miscued shot.
The collapse accelerated from there. Josh Tongue dismissed Kamindu Mendis. Jamie Overton then bowled Wanindu Hasaranga.
Sri Lanka fell from 69/4 to 76/7 in 1st T20 against England. By the 14th over, the score stood at 95/7. Dunith Wellalage continued to fight.
However, he received little support from the other end. Sri Lanka could not recover from the early damage.
England’s attack maintained pressure until the final wicket. Eventually, the visitors were dismissed for 135.
England therefore secured a massive 119-run victory. Brook’s blistering century had established the platform.
Baker and the rest of the bowling attack then ensured Sri Lanka never came close to the target.
It was a complete performance from England, with both bat and ball contributing to a one-sided result.