MANCHESTER, England — Jos Buttler hit an unbeaten 62 as England beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets on Saturday to complete a 3-0 Twenty20 series sweep and move to the top of the world rankings.
England chased down a target of 125 in just 9.4 overs, reaching 126-2 with 62 balls to spare at Old Trafford.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 124 with seven balls remaining after being asked to bat. Their innings lost momentum after a promising start, with England taking wickets at regular intervals.
England lost opener Aneurin Donald for 13 after reaching 22-1, but Buttler and captain Harry Brook took control, with England reaching 82-1 at the end of the six-over powerplay.
Buttler, who became the first batter to reach 15,000 career T20 runs during Thursday’s second match, completed his half-century with a six and hit another six to finish the chase.
Brook scored 33 before being run out, while nine Sri Lanka wides added to their problems.
Brook finished as England’s leading run-scorer in the series and was named Player of the Series.
The victory extended England’s winning streak against Sri Lanka to 15 T20 internationals and moved them above India at the top of the T20 world rankings.
England will now face Sri Lanka in a three-match one-day international series, beginning at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, followed by matches at Headingley on Thursday and The Oval on Sunday.
