England v Sri Lanka, 2016
Wisden's review of the only Twenty20 International, England v Sri Lanka, 2016
15-Apr-2017
At Southampton, July 5 (floodlit). England won by eight wickets. England 2pts. Toss: Sri Lanka. Twenty20 international debuts: L. A. Dawson, T. S. Mills; K. M. C. Bandara, A. N. P. R. Fernando, B. K. G. Mendis.
In years gone by, England players had their jobs and stuck to them, whether the target was 150 or 350. But times have changed: after beefing up the middle in the 50-over games, Buttler stepped into the role of opener. And, unfazed by the first-over departure of Roy, he monstered an unbeaten 73, his best score in all Twenty20 cricket, to take his side home with 15 balls to spare after an unbroken stand of 114 with Morgan. For Sri Lanka, Gunathilleke top-scored in a middling total, in which Jordan and Liam Dawson - making his international debut, on his home ground - took three wickets apiece. England's other newcomer, left-armer Tymal Mills, went wicketless, but showed off some clever slower balls in between his customary pace. Sri Lanka returned home without a win in any format.
Man of the Match: J. C. Buttler.
In years gone by, England players had their jobs and stuck to them, whether the target was 150 or 350. But times have changed: after beefing up the middle in the 50-over games, Buttler stepped into the role of opener. And, unfazed by the first-over departure of Roy, he monstered an unbeaten 73, his best score in all Twenty20 cricket, to take his side home with 15 balls to spare after an unbroken stand of 114 with Morgan. For Sri Lanka, Gunathilleke top-scored in a middling total, in which Jordan and Liam Dawson - making his international debut, on his home ground - took three wickets apiece. England's other newcomer, left-armer Tymal Mills, went wicketless, but showed off some clever slower balls in between his customary pace. Sri Lanka returned home without a win in any format.
Man of the Match: J. C. Buttler.