Jos Buttler breaks T20I run-scoring record in England's

Jos Buttler has become the second-highest run-scorer in T20 international history. The England captain achieved the milestone during a blistering 44-ball 80 against Sri Lanka at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday 16 September 2026, a knock that propelled his side to a massive 119-run victory in the series opener.

Buttler and his successor as white-ball captain, Harry Brook, produced a devastating partnership for the second time this summer at the same venue. After a quick start, they added 128 runs from just 60 balls. Buttler's 80, which included eight fours and four sixes, was his first innings since the Hundred final on 16 August. He was eventually caught off Wanindu Hasaranga's bowling, but the damage was done. Brook went on to smash an unbeaten 114 from 49 deliveries, his second T20I century, as England posted a formidable 254 for 4.

Their stand was a brutal encore of the 233-run partnership they compiled against India at Southampton in July. On that occasion, Buttler made a century and Brook 95 not out. This time, their roles reversed but the outcome was similarly one-sided. Sri Lanka's bowlers had no answer to the onslaught, conceding 90 runs in the Powerplay alone.

Buttler's innings saw him surpass India's Rohit Sharma in the all-time T20I run-scoring list. He now sits behind only Virat Kohli. The record-breaking knock underlined his enduring class and power at the top of the order, reinforcing his status as one of the format's modern greats. This achievement comes in England's first match since the appointment of Kevin Pietersen as a white-ball mentor, adding another layer to a significant night for the team's batting philosophy.

Ben Stokes, watching from the sidelines, was effusive in his praise, particularly for Brook. He suggested the young batsman might even be more talented than the newly-installed mentor, Kevin Pietersen. "He's a freak," Stokes said, making a bold comparison that highlights the exciting batting depth England currently possesses. The comprehensive win, built on the Brook-Buttler foundation, marked England's 13th consecutive T20I victory over Sri Lanka.

The bowling attack then efficiently closed out the game. Debutant Sonny Baker took 3 for 12, ripping through the top order in the final Powerplay over to reduce Sri Lanka to 135 all out in 19 overs. The victory gives England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second game scheduled for Cardiff on Thursday 17 September.

Key performances from the first T20I:

• Jos Buttler is now the second-highest run-scorer in T20I history.
• England scored 254 for 4, their second 250-plus total at Southampton this summer.
• The 119-run win is England's 13th straight T20I victory over Sri Lanka.
• Harry Brook scored his second T20I century, an unbeaten 114 from 49 balls.

England will look to seal the series in Cardiff, with fans eager to see if this explosive batting form continues.