England defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets with two balls to spare in the rain-affected second T20I of the three-match series at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. Sri Lanka posted 189/5 in 20 overs, helped by blazing knocks from Pavan Rathnayake and Pathum Nissanka. Kamil Mishara also contributed with a useful innings.

England chased a target of 190. Rain stopped play for more than an hour in Pallekele. When play resumed, England faced a tough task. They needed 111 runs from 9.4 overs under the DLS method.

Banton stayed composed. He scored 54 not out from 29 balls. It was his first T20I fifty for England in four years. Brook added 36 runs from just 12 balls. England finished the chase with two balls to spare.

Banton Thrives in a New Role

Banton usually opens the batting. England now use him as a finisher. He came in at No. 4 in this series, mainly as cover for the injured Ben Duckett.

Banton stood out against Sri Lanka’s spinners. He looked more assured than his teammates. His form now makes it hard for England to drop him, even when Duckett recovers from his finger injury.

After the match, Banton said, “Most of my career I've been opening, and I've got a new role with England which has been really exciting. It was a great night. Great to get a series win.”

England Enter World Cup in Strong Form

England’s recent record looks impressive. They have won nine of their last 10 completed T20Is since Brook became captain last summer.

Despite past disappointment in the Ashes, the team now carries strong momentum. England will open their World Cup campaign against Nepal next week. They believe they can challenge for the title they lost two years ago.

Spin Attack Makes the Difference

England’s spinners played a key role. The trio gave away just 81 runs in 12 overs and took three wickets. The seamers struggled. They conceded 103 runs from eight overs.

Sri Lanka once again failed to finish strongly. They reached 102 for 1 after 10 overs. They should have scored more than 189 for 5. Dropped catches and poor execution hurt them.

Shanaka Points to Conditions

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka chose to bat first on a used pitch. Rain then changed the conditions.

After the break, Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled with a wet ball. They also lost Eshan Malinga to a shoulder injury on the first ball after play resumed. Shanaka said, “That's the reason [we lost].”

Brook Lights Up the Chase

England lost early wickets. Phil Salt fell to a slower ball. Jacob Bethell edged behind. Jos Buttler looked dangerous but fell to a fine diving catch by Pavan Rathnayake.

Brook then changed the game. He smashed four sixes in just 12 balls. He even hit four straight legal deliveries from Matheesha Pathirana for four, six, six and six across two overs. His fearless hitting kept the required rate under control.

Brook eventually fell trying an audacious shot. Banton stayed till the end. Sam Curran hit the winning six to finish the match.

Sri Lanka Start Fast, Then Fade

Pathum Nissanka gave Sri Lanka a flying start. He hit three boundaries in the first over and later struck a six off Jofra Archer. He scored 34 from 22 balls before getting out.

Kusal Mendis then took charge. He attacked England’s spinners and kept the scoreboard moving. Kamil Mishara supported him but fell on 36 while trying to hit a big shot.

Rathnayake’s Late Spark

Pavan Rathnayake added late energy to Sri Lanka’s innings. He scored 40 from 22 balls. His knock included several lucky moments and a dropped catch by Banton.

His performance may help his case for selection. Sri Lanka have not yet named their T20 World Cup squad.

Still, Sri Lanka lost momentum again. Mendis edged a sweep. Shanaka fell lbw to a googly. Charith Asalanka failed to capitalise despite being dropped twice.

Banton later made amends in the field. England closed out the match and left Sri Lanka searching for answers.