Jos Buttler has moved past Rohit Sharma to become the second-highest run-scorer in men’s T20I cricket, adding another major milestone to his decorated international career.The England wicketkeeper-batter reached the landmark during the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Southampton on Tuesday, where the hosts cruised to a 119-run victory and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.Buttler came into the game needing to close the gap on Rohit’s tally of 4,231 runs. He did so in style, smashing 80 off 44 balls to take his overall T20I tally to 4,292 runs from 161 matches.His innings featured eight fours and three sixes, and Buttler brought up his half-century in only 29 deliveries. He then combined with England captain Harry Brook to put Sri Lanka under severe pressure.The pair added 128 runs for the second wicket, continuing a prolific partnership after their record 233-run stand against India in England’s previous T20I.Buttler eventually fell for 80, but Brook carried on to produce the defining innings of the match, hammering an unbeaten 114 off 49 balls. England finished with 254/4 from their 20 overs.
Buttler moves past Rohit
Buttler’s latest knock took him to 4,292 T20I runs at an average of 34.33. His tally includes two centuries and 29 fifties.He has now moved ahead of Rohit, who finished his T20I career with 4,231 runs, and sits second on the all-time men’s list.Pakistan’s Babar Azam remains at the top with 4,596 runs from 145 matches at an average of 38.94.
England dominate Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s chase never gathered momentum after England’s imposing total. They managed only six runs from the opening two overs before Sonny Baker began making an impact with his pace.Baker claimed 3/12 from four overs, while Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson took two wickets each as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 135 in 19 overs.Dunith Wellalage offered some resistance with a 33-run cameo, but England remained firmly in control throughout the chase.The victory also extended England’s winning run against Sri Lanka in T20Is to 13 consecutive matches.Brook was named Player of the Match after his unbeaten 114, but the night also belonged to Buttler, who moved past Rohit to claim second place on the T20I run-scoring charts.
