England Take Unassailable Series Lead After Beating Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I at Cardiff

England secured the T20I series against Sri Lanka after winning the second match by six wickets at Sophia Gardens on Thursday. Tom Banton scored a quick half-century, while Liam Dawson took three wickets to help England take a 2-0 lead with one game still to play.

Sri Lanka were put in to bat and managed 145/9 from their 20 overs. England's bowlers kept the pressure on and stopped the visitors from putting up a big total.

Sri Lanka got off to a good start with a 56-run opening partnership, but their innings lost momentum as wickets fell regularly. Pathum Nissanka was the top scorer for the visitors with 37 from 21 balls, hitting four fours and a six.

Charith Asalanka tried to hold Sri Lanka's innings together with 31 from 31 balls, hitting three fours. Wanindu Hasaranga also chipped in with 27 off 22 balls, including two fours and a six.

Apart from them, Lahiru Udara also played a steady hand, scoring 21 runs from 20 balls by hitting five boundaries. Kamindu Mendis, meanwhile, scored 12 off 8 balls, while Dasun Shanaka and Tharindu Ratnayake were dismissed after scoring four runs each.

From the bowling perspective, Dawson led England's attack with 3/32 from his four overs. Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer also picked up two wickets each, while Sonny Baker and Adil Rashid took one wicket apiece.

In the second innings, England made light work of the target, reaching 149/4 in only 12.1 overs to win the game. Tom Banton set the tone with a fast 52 from 24 balls, including two fours and four sixes.

The home side started the chase in a strong fashion, as both openers came out with all guns blazing. The knock of Jos Buttler was especially impressive, as he played brilliantly in the Powerplay before being dismissed by Chameera on 30.

Harry Brook and Tom Banton then struck fearlessly in the middle overs, giving Sri Lanka no chance to come back into the game. Due to their continuous onslaught, England completed the chase inside 12.1 overs and won the match by 6 wickets. The victory also helped them to seal the series by 2-0, as Sri Lanka are yet to win a game on the ongoing tour.