England crush Sri Lanka to top T20 world rankings

England secured an eight‑wicket win over Sri Lanka in the third T20I at Old Trafford, completing a 3‑0 series sweep and climbing back to the top of the ICC T20I rankings. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 124 in 18.5 overs, with Pathum Nissanka scoring 36 off 24 balls and Kamindu Mendis contributing 35 from 28. The England bowling attack shared the spoils: Sonny Baker claimed 2‑17, Jofra Archer finished with 2‑23 and Reece Jacks took 2‑31. Jamie Overton was economical, conceding just 15 runs from his four overs while picking up a wicket. England chased the target in 9.4 overs, reaching 126‑2. Jos Buttler remained unbeaten on 62 from 32 deliveries, striking a six to seal the victory, while Harry Brook added 33 off 21 balls before being run out. Aneurin Donald fell for 13, but the second‑wicket partnership between Buttler and Brook yielded 85 runs. Liam Dawson produced a direct hit to run out Eshan Malinga, highlighting England’s sharp fielding. The triumph arrived with 62 balls remaining – the most balls to spare in a home T20I for England. It marked the team’s 23rd victory in 26 completed T20Is since Brook assumed leadership in the summer of 2024, allowing them to reclaim the No. 1 position from India. The result leaves England looking ahead to the next major tournament; the men’s T20 World Cup is not scheduled until 2028, the same year T20 cricket makes its Olympic debut. In the interim, England will prepare for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, opening with three ODIs against Sri Lanka beginning Tuesday at Durham.