England defeated Sri Lanka by 119 runs at the Utilita Bowl on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The result marks England’s 13th consecutive T20I victory against Sri Lanka, a streak that began in 2014.
Harry Brook was the focal point of the England innings, scoring an unbeaten 114 from 49 balls. Brook reached his century in 42 deliveries, recording the second-fastest T20I hundred for England. He shared a 128-run partnership with Jos Buttler, who scored 80 from 44 balls in his first appearance since the Hundred final in August. England’s aggressive approach guided them to a total of 254.
In the second innings, Sonny Baker recorded figures of 3 for 12 from four overs on his home ground in Southampton. England head coach Brendon McCullum has previously described the seamer as being “full noise” in reference to his intensity. Sri Lanka’s chase failed to recover from early losses, ultimately falling 119 runs short of the target.
The match was England’s first T20I since Kevin Pietersen joined the coaching setup as a white-ball mentor. Brook, who captained the side, reflected on the team’s display following the win. “I thought the performance tonight was near perfect,” he said.
The series continues in Cardiff for the second T20I, which is scheduled for Thursday, September 17.
