Hasaranga Hits Back for Sri Lanka Against England in Second T20I
Wanindu Hasaranga has provided a timely boost for Sri Lanka after England’s bowlers struck repeatedly during the second T20 international in Cardiff on Thursday.
England won the toss and elected to bowl first at Sophia Gardens, looking to build on their commanding 119-run victory in the opening match of the three-game series. A win would give England an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match remaining.
Sri Lanka made a positive start to their innings but quickly lost wickets as England tightened their grip on the contest. Liam Dawson was particularly effective, taking wickets in consecutive deliveries to remove Kamil Mishara and Lahiru Udara before later dismissing Dasun Shanaka.
Jamie Overton also made an important contribution with two wickets, adding to the pressure on the Sri Lankan batting order. At one stage, Sri Lanka had slipped to 107-5 after 14 overs, with Hasaranga joining captain Charith Asalanka at the crease.
Hasaranga’s presence offered Sri Lanka a chance to recover after the middle-order collapse. The all-rounder is also a key part of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and had taken Jos Buttler’s wicket in the first T20I, although England ultimately posted 254-4 in that match.
England made one change to their team for the Cardiff match, with Jofra Archer returning in place of Josh Tongue. Sri Lanka also made two changes, bringing in Dilshan Madushanka and Tharindu Ratnayake.
England enter the match with confidence after Harry Brook’s unbeaten 114 and Jos Buttler’s 80 powered them to a huge total in Southampton. Sri Lanka were then dismissed for 135, giving England their 13th consecutive T20 victory over Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka now need a strong finish from their remaining batsmen to set England a competitive target and keep the three-match series alive. England, meanwhile, will look to complete another disciplined bowling performance before chasing the required runs.
The third and final T20I is scheduled to take place at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday.
