England win first T20
ThePapareNews article
Hosts England recorded a 119-run victory over touring Sri Lanka in the first T20 International on the 15th.
In this day-night match at The Rose Bowl in Southampton, England were invited to bat first after the Sri Lanka captain won the toss and made 254 for 4, before Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 135 with 6 balls remaining in their reply.
Sri Lanka team
Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wicketkeeper), Lahiru Udara, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Eshan Malinga.
England team
Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Aneurin Donald, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, and Sonny Baker.
England's total of 254 was also the highest by either team in the history of contests between the two countries. The previous record had been England's 190 for 4 in Chattogram in 2014.
In their record-breaking innings, captain Harry Brook struck an unbeaten 114 off 49 balls, with 10 fours and 6 sixes. It was his 2nd T20 International century and also his highest score in the format.
During that innings, he also shared a 128-run partnership off 60 balls with Jos Buttler for the 2nd wicket. Jos Buttler made 80 off 44 balls, with 8 fours and 3 sixes. It was his 29th half-century in his 161-match T20 International career.
In addition to the pair, Will Jacks made 21 off 12 balls, with 2 sixes.
Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga and Dunith Wellalage claimed one wicket each.
Dunith Wellalage was the top scorer in Sri Lanka's reply. Batting in the middle order, he made 33 off 21 balls, with 4 fours and 2 sixes.
Dasun Shanaka also made 24 off 14 balls, with 2 sixes and a four. When Sri Lanka's innings ended, Eshan Malinga was unbeaten on 13 off 5 balls, with a six and a four.
Apart from them, only Pathum Nissanka (12), Kamil Mishara (10) and captain Charith Asalanka (10) reached double figures for Sri Lanka. Every other batter was restricted to a single-digit score.
Sonny Baker returned the best bowling figures of the innings with 3 wickets for 12 runs, while Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson claimed 2 wickets each, and Will Jacks, Josh Tongue and Adil Rashid took one apiece.
Brief scores
England – 254 for 4 (20.0) Jos Buttler 80, Harry Brook not out 114, Will Jacks 21
Sri Lanka – all out 135 (19.0) Dasun Shanaka 24, Dunith Wellalage 33, Sonny Baker 3/12, Liam Dawson 2/23, Jamie Overton 2/20
England won by 119 runs.
- Player of the Match – Harry Brook (England)
The 2nd T20 International between the two countries is scheduled to be played under lights at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on the 17th of this month.
Stay with us at ThePapare.com for the latest news from the Sri Lanka cricket team's tour of England and all the action from the local and international sporting arena.
Based on ThePapare reporting