England put up 254-4 earlier than folding Sri Lanka for 135 in first T20I with Sonny Baker taking 3-12
England’s Harry Brook celebrates after the top of the innings. Photograph: Reuters
SOUTHAMPTON: England beat Sri Lanka by 119 runs within the first of three T20 internationals on Tuesday after a batting masterclass by opener Jos Buttler and captain Harry Brook, who hit a superb century off 42 balls in an unbeaten career-best 114-run knock.
The hosts set Sri Lanka a mighty goal of 255 after wrapping up their innings at 254-4 however the guests have been quickly struggling, ending the powerplay at 32-3 after Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara and Lahiru Udara all went cheaply.
The rout continued with a gradual move of wickets as Sri Lanka reached 71-5 on the midway mark below the floodlights in comparison with England’s 134-1. The guests knew they have been doomed lengthy earlier than they began the ultimate stand at 114-9, and have been 135 all out in 19 overs. Sonny Baker, taking part in on his house Southampton floor in his second T20 worldwide, had a standout night with the ball and ended his stint with figures of 3-12.
“I assumed the efficiency tonight was close to excellent,” stated Brook, who was named Participant of the Match, after England beat Sri Lanka for the thirteenth time in a row in T20 internationals.
England debutant Aneurin Donald, changing the injured Phil Salt, hit the primary six of the night on the Utilita Bowl off his fourth ball, surviving an LBW name on his second, however was caught for 12 off 5 balls after Sri Lanka had gained the toss and opted to bowl on a dry pitch.
Brook changed him on the crease and the rout started in an electrical 128-run partnership that left the guests questioning what had hit them. England have been 90-1 on the finish of the powerplay, their second highest in T20s, and Buttler reached his 50 off 29 balls. Brook scored 30 runs within the area of 1 over a six adopted by two fours, two sixes and one other 4 off Dunith Wellalage and chalked up his half-century off 20 balls. Buttler’s breathtaking stint ended at 80 with Wellalage taking a easy catch off leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga as England have been 159-2. It was 195-3 when Tom Banton was caught by Dasun Shanaka off Dushmantha Chameera. Brook was unstoppable, celebrating his second T20 worldwide century and in addition equalling the second-fastest 100 by an England participant within the format.
He ended along with his highest rating in T20 internationals, 114 from 49 deliveries and hit 10 fours and 6 sixes. “It was a extremely spectacular all-round efficiency however Sri Lanka have been very poor,” commented former England captain Eoin Morgan on Sky Sports activities tv. England can seal the sequence victory within the second match of the three-game sequence in Cardiff on Thursday.