The first match of the 3-match T20 series between England and Sri Lanka was played in Southampton on Tuesday (15 September). In this match, England registered a huge victory by 119 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the series. After losing the toss and opting to bat first, the English team scored a mountain-like score of 254/4 and then bowled out Sri Lanka for 135. For England, captain Harry Brook played an explosive inning of 114 not out in 49 balls. He batted at a strike rate of 232.65 and hit 10 fours and 6 sixes.
Former captain Jos Buttler scored 80 runs in 44 balls with the help of 8 fours and 3 sixes. Will Jacques scored 21 runs in 12 balls before being dismissed on the last ball of England's innings. Two sixes came off his bat. From Sri Lankan side, except Wanindu Hasaranga and Ishan Malinga, no one could stop the English batsmen.
Hasaranga got the wicket of Butler by giving 34 runs in 4 overs, while Malinga took 1 wicket in his bag by giving 41 runs in 4 overs. Apart from these two, the economy of all other Sri Lankan bowlers remained above 13. Experienced fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera gave away 53 runs in 4 overs. He got a success. Young left arm spinner Dunith Vellallage gave away 51 runs in 3 overs.
Also read: India captured the series, defeated Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the second T20.
Sri Lankan team was nowhere to be seen in the run chase
The Sri Lankan team, which came to chase the seemingly impossible target, was never seen in the match. The opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara made a partnership of just 20 runs in 3.4 overs. The Sri Lankan team could add only 32 runs after losing 3 wickets in the powerplay and the match ended here. Dasun Shanaka (24 runs in 14 balls) and Vellalage (33 runs in 21 balls) were the only two Sri Lankan players who faced more than 10 balls and batted at 150 plus strike rate. All the other batsmen disappointed.
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For England, Sonny Baker bowled lethally and took 3 wickets for 12 runs in 4 overs. He also took out an over maiden. Liam Dawson and Jamie Overton took 2-2 wickets. Josh Tongue, Will Jacques and Adil Rashid got one success each.