Harry Brook smashed his fastest T20I century as England thrashed Sri Lanka by 119 runs in the first T20I at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on September 15, 2026. The England captain’s unbeaten 114 off 49 balls anchored a total of 254 for 4, and Sri Lanka never recovered and folded for 135 in 19 overs.
Brook and Buttler Set Up a Record Total
Brook reached three figures in just 42 deliveries, his second T20I hundred and the quickest of his career. Only Phil Salt, who reached his century in 39 balls against South Africa almost a year earlier, has been faster for England.
Jos Buttler made 80 off 44 balls before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga. He had led the side in white-ball cricket more often in the past, but he remained central to the top order. The pair added 128 runs from just 60 deliveries for the second wicket, a stand that broke Sri Lanka’s bowling plans early and never let them back into the contest.
England raced to 90 for 1 inside the powerplay, a total built on Aneurin Donald’s rapid start at the top of the order. This was Donald’s first international match after 112 T20 appearances in domestic cricket. He hit 12 off 5 balls before falling to Dunith Wellalage. At 29, he became England’s oldest T20I debutant in nine years.
Brook took over from there by striking Wellalage for 30 runs in the fifth over and never letting the required rate ease off. Buttler survived a dropped catch on 45 before eventually departing, and Brook carried his innings through to the final ball, finishing with 10 fours and 6 sixes.
Sonny Baker Leads a Ruthless England Bowling Effort
Sri Lanka’s chase fell apart almost immediately. Sonny Baker opened with a maiden and finished with figures of 3 for 12, the best of his short international career. The Hampshire seamer removed Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara and Maheesh Theekshana, as he bowled with pace touching 92mph on his home ground.
All six England bowlers took at least one wicket, a spread that left Sri Lanka’s batting with no route back into the match. Only Wellalage offered resistance, as he scored 33 off 21 balls down at No. 8, well after the game had already slipped away.
Charith Asalanka’s Sri Lanka side lost wickets steadily through the middle overs, as they went from 52 for 4 to 97 for 8 without ever building a partnership of substance. Dasun Shanaka’s 24 off 14 balls was the only other score above 20. Sri Lanka were bowled out with an over unused, which handed England a win by 119 runs, their biggest margin of victory over Sri Lanka in the format.
England Take an Early Lead in the Series
The result puts England 1-0 up in the three-match series, with the second T20I still to come. Brook was named Player of the Match for his innings.
The win extended Buttler’s strong recent form at the Rose Bowl, where he has now scored 211 runs across his last two T20I innings on the ground. England will look to close out the series in the next fixture, while Sri Lanka face pressure to fix a batting order that offered little support once early wickets fell.
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