England beat Lanka to clinch series, pacer Malinga likely to miss T20 WC

Tom Banton's unbeaten half-century and Harry Brook's explosive knock steered England to a series-winning six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in a rain-affected Twenty20 clash on Sunday less than a week before the start of T20 World Cup.

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Put in to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 189-5, and England faced an adjusted target of 168 in 17 overs after rain held up the match for almost an hour. The visitors won with two balls to spare, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

"It was an outstanding performance. We are gearing up well for the World Cup and couldn't have asked anything better from the lads," said England captain Harry Brook.

"Our batting looks good and so is our bowling, especially the spin department as we know spin will be a key factor playing in this part of the world."

Opener Pathum Nissanka (34 off 22) got Sri Lanka off to a fast start until Jofra Archer (2-42) bowled him, but Kusal Mendis (32 off 17) and Pavan Rathnayake (40 off 22) ensured that the hosts got to a competitive total.