Jos Buttler needed only 30 runs to produce a milestone that had never been achieved in T20 cricket. The England opener reached that mark during the second T20I against Sri Lanka at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on September 17, becoming the first player to accumulate 15,000 runs in the format. His innings ended at 30, but the landmark had already been secured.
The England batter’s record breaking journey has included several major franchise competitions. Buttler’s achievement came as England completed a six wicket victory over Sri Lanka and moved 2-0 ahead in the three match series. England chased down Sri Lanka’s 145/9 in only 12.1 overs, with Tom Banton finishing unbeaten on 52 from 24 balls. He has scored 4,646 runs in 138 IPL matches at an average of 39.70, including seven centuries.
Buttler’s landmark was part of a comfortable England chase rather than a match winning individual innings. Sri Lanka reached 145/9 after being asked to bat first. Charith Asalanka top scored with 31, while Liam Dawson’s three wickets helped England restrict the visitors.
Very clinical. They got off to a flier but the way we dragged it back was outstanding. There were some good performances – Overton bowling four overs straight through, not an easy task. And then Liam Dawson, obviously, Man of the Match tonight, the wickets he got and the way he reads the game with his experience was outstanding. We looked at the stats and it still suggested spin played a decent part on this pitch.’
After the victory, Brook said: ‘Tonight was a special performance again.
