England power past Sri Lanka in Cardiff to seal T20 series

England sealed the three-match T20 series with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Cardiff.

They chased 146 in just 12.1 overs to go 2-0 up with a game to spare. It was quick. It was clinical.

The result followed a crushing 119-run win in the series opener in Southampton Reuters. England had named Aneurin Donald alongside Jos Buttler to open, with Tom Banton at No. 4 and Jordan Cox at No. 5 for that first match ECB. Captain Harry Brook smashed a 42-ball century in Southampton, while Sonny Baker took 3-12 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 135.

Sri Lanka started brightly in Cardiff. They reached 55-0 after the first five overs, with Pathum Nissanka striking 37 off 21 balls.

Then England's spinners and seamers squeezed the game. Liam Dawson took 3-32, including two wickets in the final over of the powerplay, the fielding-restricted opening overs. Jamie Overton added 2-23 and Sonny Baker returned 1-15, including a wicket maiden in the 19th over. Sri Lanka managed only 12 runs in the final four overs and closed on 145-9 BBC Sport.

England's reply never stalled. Buttler made 30 and Donald made 21 in an opening stand of 51 from 4.3 overs. Banton then finished unbeaten on 52 from 24 balls, hitting four sixes. Brook crashed 23 from eight balls, with three sixes, before he was caught by Eshan Malinga.

Brook had arrived needing 49 more runs to break Tilak Varma's record of 336 T20 international runs without being dismissed. His quick exit kept that record intact.

What makes this stand out is the sheer consistency. England have now won 22 of their last 25 completed T20s since the start of last summer. For fans, this means a short format side that bowls in partnerships and chases without panic.

The series concludes at Old Trafford on Saturday, followed by three one-day internationals.