Harry Brook silences critics, leads England to T20 triumph in Sri Lanka
After a wave of apologies and intense scrutiny, Harry Brook rose to the occasion, silencing his critics with a stellar performance. His 12-ball 36 not only helped England chase down a revised target of 168 in the second T20 international against Sri Lanka but also secured the tourists' second series victory of the week.
Initially, England was set a daunting 190, but a rain break altered the dynamics. With 87 runs needed from 7.5 overs, Brook emerged as a beacon of hope. His aggressive play over extra cover turned the tide, and despite a brief knock from the captain, Tom Banton made a strong case for a starting spot at the World Cup with an unbeaten 54. The match culminated in a thrilling finish, with Sam Curran's smash in the final over securing a six-wicket victory, but the tension had been building for some time.
England's lineup remained unchanged from the series opener, with Ben Duckett's injured finger ruling him out once again. Sri Lanka, seemingly uncertain about their best XI for the tournament, introduced Pavan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage, both of whom had impressed in the one-day series. Sri Lanka got off to a flying start, with Pathum Nissanka upper-cutting Curran and whipping Jofra Archer out of the ground, forcing the umpire to reach for a new ball. Brook, two days after his public apology for lying about a night in Wellington, demonstrated his proactive approach by calling for spin in the third over.
However, Nissanka's century-making performance in Sri Lanka's Test triumph at the Oval in 2024 couldn't last. He was dismissed for 34 when he dragged Archer onto the stumps, setting the tone for the innings. None of the batters reached a half-century, but a series of cameos contributed to a respectable total.
Adil Rashid didn't rip through the visitors but did befuddle Dasun Shanaka with a clever mix-up of leg-breaks and a googly, trapping the Sri Lanka captain leg-before after a hopeful swing. Liam Dawson secured the key wicket of Kusal Mendis for 32, while Will Jacks proved his worth with responsible figures of one for 24. The hosts' quicks conceded 103 runs in eight overs of seam bowling, with Jamie Overton's short balls being sent for six, despite Banton's drop at short third off Rathnayake's bat.
Archer's back-of-the-hand slower ball didn't fare much better, with two catches dropped when bowling to Charith Asalanka. Phil Salt and Banton's opening partnership was short-lived, with Salt perishing in the first over and Bethell swishing on 13 and edging behind off Shanaka. Jos Buttler, playing his 402nd game for England, looked in fine form, pinging the ball through point for consecutive boundaries off the lively Matheesha Pathirana.
Buttler and Banton's stand was interrupted by rain, leaving 111 runs needed from 9.4 overs. The pressure was on, and it didn't take long for the drama to unfold. Eshan Malinga's right-arm quick delivery, a full toss above the waist, forced him to retire hurt with a left shoulder injury.
The game continued to swing. Banton sent Wanindu Hasaranga over deep midwicket, but Wellalage had Buttler caught at deep point on 39. Brook then entered the fray, providing a leading edge off his first ball, followed by a stunning shot, a flick off the left-arm spinner that raced past long-on. The brutality was about to begin.
Brook unleashed his power, hitting three sixes off Pathirana, all pounded over the off side, reminiscent of his 50-over century on Tuesday. However, his scoop against the same bowler went awry, leading to his dismissal with 38 runs still needed. Banton remained, well-supported by Curran, and the rate dropped significantly, ensuring a comfortable finish.
