England crush Sri Lanka to top T20 world rankings

Figure caption, Bizarre wicket sees Hasaranga dismissed for hitting own stumps

Cricket Correspondent at Emirates Old Trafford Published 19 September 2026, 17:17 BST Updated 2 minutes ago Third T20 international, Old Trafford

Sri Lanka 124 all out (18.5 overs): Nissanka 36 (24), K Mendis 35 (28); Baker 2-17, Archer 2-23, Jacks 2-31

England 126-2 (9.4 overs): Buttler 62* (32), Brook 33 (21)

England won by eight wickets, won series 3-0

England steamrollered Sri Lanka in the third T20 to complete a 3-0 series clean sweep and return to number one in the world rankings.

Watched by new Test coach Stephen Fleming, England once again outclassed the tourists to conclude a one-sided series played on the fringe of autumn.

England's pace bowlers were outstanding in dismissing Sri Lanka for a paltry 124, then the home side chased the target in 9.4 overs.