Tom Banton flips the script for England to seal series against Sri Lanka in DLS thriller

Tom Banton flipped the script for England [Source: X]It was an exciting, rain-curtailed DLS thriller that took place on January 1, 2026, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The second T20I between England and Sri Lanka was a gripping affair, with the scales almost tilting in the hosts’ favour before rain intervened. However, England’s Tom Banton, with his fiery half-century, turned the tables and sealed a series win for England with a six-wicket victory. Let’s take a look at how things panned out at Pallekele. Sri Lanka start off strong with Nissanka-Mishara Sri Lanka started on a strong note with a solid foundation laid by openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara. Nissanka scored 34 runs off 22 deliveries while striking at a modest rate. Kamil Mishara was involved in a 56-run opening stand, contributing 15 runs himself, and later added 21 runs in the second-wicket partnership with Kusal Mendis to stitch together another 50 runs off 33 deliveries. Kusal Mendis, who came in during the sixth over, was quite explosive with the bat. He scored 32 runs off 17 balls, striking at 188.24, and was later joined by Pavan Rathnayake after Kamil Mishara’s dismissal in the 11th over. Rathnayake and Asalanka push total on board Rathnayake went on to score 40 runs off 22 balls. These attacking knocks helped Sri Lanka race to 58 runs inside the powerplay and add 86 runs during the middle overs. However, the scoring pace picked up slightly in the final overs, where Sri Lanka managed to add 45 runs at the loss of 1 wicket. While captain Dasun Shanaka disappointed with just one run, Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten 28 played a key role in guiding Sri Lanka to a total of 189 for five wickets. Jofra Archer back in form for England camp From England’s camp, Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, although he was expensive, conceding 42 runs in his four overs. Jamie Overton was the most expensive, giving away 30 runs from just two overs. Adil Rashid and Will Jacks were economical and picked up one wicket each, keeping their economy rates at six. England’s early scare washed away by rain halt While coming into the chase, England had a shaky start as explosive opener Phil Salt was dismissed for just one run in the very first over. Jacob Bethell followed soon after, falling on the third ball of the fifth over as England struggled at 38 for 2. With Jos Buttler and Tom Banton at the crease, England managed to score 51 runs for the loss of two wickets inside the powerplay. Soon after, rain hit the ground, halting play for almost an hour. This brought the DLS method into action, and the revised target for England was reduced from 192 to 168 to be chased in a total of 17 overs. Tom Banton paces the chase after rain interruption As the DLS target was revised, Jos Buttler and Banton were still at the crease, and they began playing some explosive shots once play resumed. Tom Banton then played for the cause with an unbeaten 33 off 33 deliveries as he paced the chase well while England were in a difficult position. Harry Brook, the skipper, came in to partner Banton and scored a quick 36 off 12 balls before being dismissed by Pathirana on the third ball of the 12th over. Banton then responsibly paced the chase while keeping the required run rate under control and eventually sealed a comfortable series win for England on Sri Lankan soil with their second T20I victory in the three-match affair. Sri Lankan bowlers failed to impress From Sri Lanka’s bowling camp, Matheesha Pathirana picked up two wickets but was expensive, conceding 47 runs from his four overs. Wanindu Hasaranga, usually a potent option with the ball, also went for runs, leaking at an economy rate of 11 from his four overs. Dasun Shanaka, the skipper, bowled three overs and managed to dismiss Jacob Bethell, but gave away 24 runs in the process. Dunith Wellalage also bowled three overs but leaked 30 runs while picking up Jos Buttler’s crucial wicket. Eshan Malinga, however, went wicketless before the rain interruption, while Janith Liyanage gave away 18 runs from his 1.2 overs.