Buttler hits ton as England beat Sri Lanka by 26 runs

Jos Buttler celebrates his maiden century.

England beat Sri Lanka by 26 runs to register their fourth consecutive victory in the ongoing T20 World Cup on Monday. Chasing the target of 164 runs, Sri Lanka were reduced to 76/5 in the 11th over of the match but then Wanindu Hasaranga (34) and skipper Dasun Shanaka (26) added 53 runs for the sixth wicket with their quickfire knocks.

Later when the partnership was broken by Liam Livingstone, the Sri Lanka batters crumbled and got all out at 137 runs. Adil Rashid was the best bowler for England as he returned with the figures of 2/19 in four overs.

Earlier while batting first, Jos Buttler (101*) top-scored for England as he got to his maiden T20I hundred and also became the first batsman to reach the three-figure mark in this year’s tournament. Sri Lanka removed England’s three wickets in the powerplay but later Buttler and Eoin Morgan (40) stitched to a partnership of 122 runs for the fourth wicket that guided England to a good finish.

With this victory, Eoin Morgan has surpassed Afghanistan Asghar Afghan and became the most successful T20I captain when it comes to the number of wins. Morgan has now led England in 43 victories. – (Agencies)

Chief scores

England: 163/4 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 101*, Eoin Morgan 40, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/21, Dushmantha Chameera 1/43)

Sri Lanka: 137 in 19 overs (Wanindu Hasaranga 34, Dasun Shanaka 26, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 26, Charith Asalanka 21, Moeen Ali 2/15, Adil Rashid 2/19, Chris Jordan 2/24, Chris Woakes 1/25)