England reclaimed top spot in the T20 world rankings as they tore Sri Lanka down in merciless fashion to complete a 3-0 series sweep in Manchester.
After handsome wins in Southampton and Cardiff, England made it a hat-trick of victories inside five days, thoroughly outgunning the tourists in a quick-fire eight-wicket success at Old Trafford.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 124, their lowest total yet, with England easing over the line in less than 10 overs, leaving 62 balls to spare. They now boast a record of 23 wins from their last 26 games.
That put them back ahead of India at the summit of the format, with the pair having traded the number one position three times in the past two months.
Jos Buttler struck 62 not out from 32 balls in a stand of 85 with captain Harry Brook, while there were two wickets apiece for the improving Sonny Baker, Jofra Archer and Will Jacks.
Sri Lanka were sent in to bat but, beyond a lively start from Pathum Nissanka, never threatened to put their opponents under pressure.
Nissanka landed some blows in an enterprising knock, launching Archer, Liam Dawson and Baker for six as he racked up 36 of his side’s first 52 runs. England never lost their grip, though, Baker landing an early breakthrough when Lahiru Udara skied a top edge behind and Kamil Mishara lacked the muscle to send Will Jacks over the catcher at long-off.
A powerplay score of 47 for two represented the high watermark, Brook showing great anticipation at midwicket as he moved into position to take a fine diving catch to remove Nissanka.
With Sri Lanka on the back foot Brook used Jacks for four of the first 11 overs, buying room to keep his pace attack primed.
The visitors were ragged, Charith Asalanka and Eshan Malinga both run out and Wanindu Hasaranga donating his wicket in embarrassing fashion, knocking off his own bails as he swung too hard at Archer.
Wickets kept tumbling, Jamie Overton and Dawson joining in before Baker wrapped the innings seven balls ahead of time with his sixth of an encouraging series.
The game already felt won before the chase began but it was still an important moment for Aneurin Donald at the end of his first international series. After scores of 12 and 21 he appeared to be setting himself up for a strong finish with three consecutive fours, only to be stumped for 13 charging his next delivery.
Brook ensured it was a minor bump in the road, launching Nuwan Thushara for six off his fifth ball and adding two more boundaries in the same over.
Another 20 runs rained down off the next, from Tharindu Ratnayake, Buttler stepping on the gas as England reached the halfway mark of their target in just five overs.
Sri Lanka hit a new low in the eighth, Madushanka serving up a no-ball, three separate wides and then seeing a mishit from Brook land safely between two disinterested fielders.
Brook’s habit of chasing risky singles caught up with him when he was run out by Hasaranga for 33, but Buttler raced away to the winning line and ended things with a one-handed six off Malinga with more than half the innings still unused.
