England secured a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Cardiff, clinching the T20 series with a match to spare. The final game of the series is set for Saturday at Old Trafford. Chasing a target of 145 runs, England reached the total in just 12.1 overs, with Tom Banton leading the charge with an unbeaten 52 off 24 balls, including two fours and four sixes. This win extended England’s unbeaten streak against Sri Lanka in T20 cricket to 14 consecutive matches. Sri Lanka started their innings strongly, scoring 56 runs without losing a wicket in the powerplay, but they failed to maintain the momentum. England’s bowlers, particularly Liam Dawson, who took three wickets for 32 runs, and Jamie Overton, who claimed two wickets for 23 runs, helped restrict Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan total of 145 for nine was seen as a below-par score, and England’s aggressive batting, which included 10 sixes, proved crucial in securing the win. Jos Buttler and Aneurin Donald added 50 runs quickly before both were dismissed in quick succession. Buttler reached a significant milestone by scoring 15,000 T20 runs during the innings but was out for 30. Harry Brook played a vital role with an aggressive 23 off just eight balls, hitting three sixes before being caught. Banton then took control, hitting four sixes in his 24-ball innings to guide England to victory. England made one change to their lineup, with Jofra Archer replacing Josh Tongue, allowing Aneurin Donald to make his second appearance for England on home soil. Tharindu Rathnayake made his debut for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara, began aggressively but were eventually bowled out for 145. Nissanka scored 37 from 21 balls, while Udara was caught by Liam Dawson. England’s strong T20 form continues, with 22 wins in their past 25 completed matches since the start of last summer. The series will conclude at Old Trafford on Saturday, followed by three one-day internationals.