Jos Buttler has become the first batter to reach 15,000 runs in T20 cricket. He also passed Kieron Pollard to become the highest run-scorer in the format. He reached the milestone during England’s second T20I against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Buttler has now played 528 T20 matches. His average is 35.46 and his strike rate is 147.46. He has scored nine centuries and 107 fifties. Pollard, the previous record holder, had 14,999 runs from 754 matches at an average of 31.71. Buttler got to the mark with a single off Eshan Malinga in the fifth over of England’s chase.
England went on to win the match by six wickets at Sophia Gardens. They restricted Sri Lanka to 145 for 9. Then they chased the target in just 12.1 overs, finishing on 146 for 4. The win gave England a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. It also extended their T20I winning streak over Sri Lanka to 14 matches.
Dawson was named Player of the Match for taking three wickets. The final T20I will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday. England have already secured the series.
England Beat Sri Lanka by Six Wickets as Jos Buttler Makes T20 History in 2-0 Series Win
England beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the second T20I at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The win gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. They chased down a target of 146 in just 12.1 overs, finishing on 146 for 4.
Sri Lanka struggled with the bat. They were restricted to 145 for 9 in their 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 37 off 21 balls. Charith Asalanka made 31. But the rest of the batting line-up could not build on those starts. Liam Dawson was the best bowler for England. He took 3 for 32 and was named Player of the Match. Sonny Baker bowled a wicket-maiden in the 19th over. Sri Lanka managed just seven runs from the final three overs.
For England, Jos Buttler continued his good form. He scored 30 runs and in the process became the first batter to reach 15,000 T20 runs. He also passed Kieron Pollard to become the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket. Tom Banton then finished the job. He scored an unbeaten 52 off 24 balls. His knock included a fifth half-century in T20Is. England lost a few wickets in the middle, but the target was never really threatening.
There was also a special moment for Aneurin Donald. He was playing at his home ground in Cardiff, representing England. It was the first time since 2005 that an England team featured a product of Glamorgan. Donald scored 21 off 13 balls. He said he was proud to fly the flag for Welsh cricket.
For Sri Lanka, Nissanka’s return to form was a positive. He had wrist surgery two months ago and had been struggling since his comeback. In Cardiff, he looked more like his usual self. He attacked the bowlers and used his feet well. But he did not get enough support from the other end. Sri Lanka’s total was always going to be too small against a strong England side.
The third and final T20I will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday. England have already won the series.
FAQs
Q. Who became the first batter to score 15,000 T20 runs?
A. Jos Buttler became the first batter to reach 15,000 T20 runs.
Q. Whose T20 run-scoring record did Buttler break?
A. Buttler passed Kieron Pollard to become the highest run-scorer.
Q. How many T20 matches has Jos Buttler played?
A. Buttler has played 528 T20 matches.
Q. How did England perform against Sri Lanka?
A. England won by six wickets and took a 2-0 series lead.
Q. Where will the final T20I be played?
A. The final T20I will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester.
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