Buttler’s one-handed six seals England’s rise to T20 world No 1 after Old Trafford whitewash of Sri Lanka
England beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets at Old Trafford on 19 September 2026, finishing the match with a one-handed six from Jos Buttler to move above India to the top of the T20 world rankings.
An unchanged England side completed a series whitewash of Sri Lanka, repeating a result they had achieved twice before and taking their seventh win of the year against Sri Lanka, with Harry Brook registering his 23rd victory in 26 completed matches since he became captain. The win came in comfortable fashion, with England reaching their target with more than 10 overs to spare in clear conditions under the autumn Old Trafford sun.
England’s fielding and bowling set the tone from the start, with Sonny Baker claiming two for 17 from his 3.5 overs and Jamie Overton returning one for 15 from his four overs. Several sharp pieces of work in the field complemented the bowling, including Liam Dawson’s run-out of Eshan Malinga and Harry Brook’s double-handed diving catch at short midwicket to dismiss Pathum Nissanka.
Tom Banton slipped on the grass in front of the press box and missed a chance to dismiss Kamindu Mendis, but England absorbed the error without consequence. Aneurin Donald struck three fours before advancing to Tharindu Ratnayake, missing and being stumped, a dismissal that denied him an opportunity to secure winter tour selection.
The batting surge that finished the match featured a 21-run over from Thushara, produced by a wristy six, a wide that went through the keeper for five wides, a four clipped off the boots and an extra-cover carve. Buttler moved to his fifty off 30 balls with a six over the rope and completed the victory with a one-handed six, while Harry Brook was run out attempting a quick single, departing for 33 off 21 balls after a nimble turn-and-throw from Hasaranga.
Sri Lanka’s innings contained moments of power but were undermined by wides, misfields and two run-outs; their score was the lowest of the series. They hit seven sixes in total, including Pathum Nissanka’s top-edged six off Jofra Archer and a slog-swept six off Liam Dawson’s first ball, and their batting collapsed in parts, including a hit-wicket when Hasaranga’s bat struck his stumps as he swung and fell to one knee.
Stephen Fleming, newly unveiled in his first press conference as Sri Lanka’s Test coach, was present on the field before the match and was seen speaking with Brendon McCullum and Kevin Pietersen as England prepared to play. The teams now move on to three one-day internationals that follow this T20 series.
