Buttler’s early blitz seals it
Jos Buttler turned a modest chase into a sprint, powering England to an eight-wicket win with 62 balls remaining. After Sri Lanka were bowled out for 124 in 18.5 overs, England’s response was immediate: Buttler’s 62 off 32 dominated the tempo as the hosts finished on 126/2 in 9.4 overs, with the result effectively settled before the halfway mark of the innings.
Powerplay blow decides chase
The game was won in England’s powerplay, where they surged to 82/1 at 13.7 an over. That burst dwarfed Sri Lanka’s own powerplay of 47/2 and left the visitors needing wickets to stay in touch. Instead, England’s top order kept finding boundary options and rotated cleanly, meaning the required rate never rose into pressure territory.
Buttler leads, Baker closes
Buttler was the clear match-shaper, combining power with pace to claim the MVP. Harry Brook supported in the decisive 85-run partnership that removed any lingering doubt. With the ball, Sonny Baker’s 2/17 in 3.5 overs helped keep Sri Lanka in check, while Jofra Archer (2/23) and Will Jacks (2/31) ensured the innings never recovered after the late slide.
Sri Lanka’s late collapse hurts
Sri Lanka’s innings had moments of stability through the middle, with 70/4 in the mid-overs and a best stand of 31 between Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis. But the finish unraveled: from 117/6 after 16 overs, they managed only seven more runs while losing four wickets, ending 124 all out. That left England chasing a target that offered little room for a comeback once the opening burst landed.

