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Following England\u2019s 119-run rout of Sri Lanka in Tuesday\u2019s first T20 in Southampton, this was another lopsided contest.<\/p>\n
Jos Buttler and England captain Harry Brook, fresh from their 80 and 114 not out respectively on Tuesday, got the home side\u2019s pursuit off to a typically dashing start, with England 79-3 in seven overs.<\/p>\n
But it was England\u2019s performance in the field that laid the foundation for their 14th successive T20 win over Sri Lanka ahead of Saturday\u2019s series finale at Old Trafford.<\/p>\n
Sri Lanka, sent into bat by Brook, were well-placed at 56-0 at the end of the powerplay.<\/p>\n
But their innings then fell away, with left-arm spinner Liam Dawson taking 3-32, including two wickets in two balls, and fast bowler Jofra Archer striking twice in the last over as Sri Lanka were held to a lowly 145-9.<\/p>\n
\u201cTonight was a special performance, very clinical,\u201d said Brook, who took a mere eight balls for his 23, at the presentation ceremony. <\/p>\n
\u201cSri Lanka got off to a flyer but the way we fought back with the ball was outstanding.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way Dawson reads the game was outstanding, too. He is an awesome bowler and a great bloke. He uses all of his nous.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone bowled phenomenally and the way Banton hits different parts of the ground with the bat was great to see.\u201d <\/p>\n
A modest Dawson, the player-of-the-match, added: \u201cI just tried to keep it simple, bowling good lines and lengths… Coming to Cardiff, you know the boundaries are big square so I bowl into the wicket. I like bowling here.\u201d <\/p>\n