Pavan Ratnayake once again came to the fore, scoringa superb knock of 40 in just 22 balls as Sri Lanka, invited to bat first, made 189 for 5 wickets in their 20 overs against England in their second T -20 played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

It was a blazing start by Sri Lanka openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, setting a good tone, and the pair added 35 runs in the first two overs. Paceman Jofra Archer conceded 21 runs in his first over. Nissanka, who scored 22 balls 34 with 3 fours and 2 sixes, bowled by Archer, and Mishara, who hit 30 balls 36 with 2 fours and 2 sixes. After the power play, Sri Lanka were 58 for 1 wicket.

Kusal Mendis, the number three batter, hit 36 in 30 balls, continued the momentum to build up the innings, and Sri Lanka were in a healthy position after 10 overs, scoring 102 for 1 wicket.

However, England spinners tried to control the game, but young Pavan Ratnayake started with a six and four off pacemen Jamie Overton. Building up the innings with Charith Asalanka, the pair added 56 runs in 36 balls for the fifth wicket to post 189 for 5 wickets.

Ratnayake top scored 40 in 22 balls, struck 5 fours and a six, well supported by Asalanka, who made an unbeaten 28 in 22 balls with 4 fours. Skipper Dasun Shanaka came at number 5 ahead of Asalanka, but that was not successful, and Shanaka was out 1 in 6 balls LBW to experienced leg spinner Adhil.Rashid. However, Asalanka and Pavan Ratnayake made good partnerships to repair the innings. Jofra Archer, who conceded only 5 runs in the last over, took Ratnayake’s wicket and finally ended with 2 for 42, while spinners Will. Jacks, Adil Rashid, and Liam.D owson shared a wicket each.
England came to the game with an unchanged side, while Sri Lanka made two changes and brought Dunith Wellalage and Pavan Ratnayake for the places of Dhananjaya de Silva and Maheesh Theekshana.

Chief scores:
Sri Lanka 189 for 5 wickets in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 34, Kamil Mishara 3, Kusal Mendis 32, Pavan Ratnayake 40, Charith Asalanka 28*, Jofra Archer 2/42, Will Jacks 1/2, Liam Dowson 1/32, Adil Rashid 1/25) Vs England