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England made a powerful start to their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka by securing a massive 119-run victory in the first T20I. Captain Harry Brook was the star of the match, smashing an unbeaten 114 and helping England post a huge total of 254 runs.
Sri Lanka had a target of 255 runs but struggled throughout their chase and were eventually bowled out for 135 runs. With this victory, England have taken a 1-0 lead in the T20I series.
Harry Brook Smashes 42-Ball T20I Century to Make England History
Harry Brook produced one of the most explosive innings of his T20I career. The England captain reached his half-century from just 20 balls and continued his attack against the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Brook completed his century in only 42 balls, making it the second-fastest T20I century by an England batter. Phil Salt holds the England record after reaching three figures in 39 balls.
Brook remained unbeaten on 114 runs from 49 deliveries, hitting 19 fours and six sixes. His spectacular performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Jos Buttler's 80 and Brook's Century Power England to 254 Runs
England's huge total was built on aggressive batting from Jos Buttler and Harry Brook. Buttler provided the early momentum by scoring 80 runs from 44 balls.
His attacking innings gave Brook the platform to accelerate later in the innings. The combination of Buttler's 80 and Brook's unbeaten 114 helped England reach 254 runs.
The total gave Sri Lanka a daunting target of 255 and put England firmly in control of the match.
Sri Lanka Collapse While Chasing 255 Runs
Sri Lanka's chase failed to gain momentum as England's bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. The visitors found themselves in serious trouble early in the innings.
Sri Lanka lost five wickets for just 69 runs, leaving the team with little chance of successfully chasing the huge target. Their problems continued as the eighth wicket fell when the score reached 97.
England Bowlers Bundle Out Sri Lanka for 135
Although Sri Lanka's final two wickets added 38 runs, the late partnership could not change the outcome. Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 135 runs.
England's bowling unit delivered a complete performance, with all six bowlers picking up at least one wicket. Their consistent wicket-taking kept Sri Lanka under pressure throughout the chase.
England eventually completed a convincing 119-run victory.
England Register Another Big T20I Win in 2026
The 119-run victory adds another big result to England's 2026 T20I campaign. Among ICC Full Member teams, it is reported to be the second-biggest win by runs in T20 cricket in 2026.
England also recorded the biggest win in this category earlier in the year when they defeated India by 125 runs in July.
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Harry Brook Named Player of the Match
Harry Brook's unbeaten 114 was the defining performance of the match. His combination of power hitting and rapid scoring helped England post a total that Sri Lanka could not challenge.
His 42-ball century also placed him second on England's list of fastest T20I hundreds.
England Take 1-0 Lead in Three-Match T20I Series
Following their dominant win, England now lead the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka 1-0.
The second T20I will be played in Cardiff on September 17, while the third and final T20I is scheduled for September 19 in Manchester.
After the T20I series, England and Sri Lanka will also face each other in a three-match ODI series.
England vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I: Match Highlights
- England: 254 runs
- Sri Lanka: 135 runs
- Result: England won by 119 runs
- Harry Brook: 114* off 49 balls
- Brook's century: 42 balls
- Jos Buttler: 80 off 44 balls
- England's series lead: 1-0
- Second T20I: September 17, Cardiff
- Third T20I: September 19, Manchester
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