Brook falls short as Varma's record remains following England win

Dubai: Harry Brook came within 26 runs of breaking Tilak Varma's record for most T20 international runs without being dismissed as England cruised to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Cardiff.

Brook needed 49 runs to surpass Varma's mark of 336 runs without losing his wicket in T20 internationals, but his attempt ended after just eight balls.

The England captain smashed three sixes on his way to 23 before producing one of the shots of the match, only to see Sri Lanka's Eshan Malinga pull off a great diving catch to end his innings.

The record therefore remains with Varma, with Brook falling 26 runs short of matching the Indian batter's tally.

Harry Brook has been in incredible form for the Three Lions as of late

Despite Brook's early exit, England had little trouble chasing down Sri Lanka's 145-9, reaching 146-4 in only 12.1 overs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Tom Banton finished unbeaten on 52 from 24 balls, striking four sixes as England continued their outstanding T20 form.

Brook's record chase comes to an end

Brook arrived at the crease with England already flying after Jos Buttler and debutant Aneurin Donald had put on 51 from just 4.3 overs.

Buttler made 30 from 16 balls while Donald's 21 came from 13 deliveries before both fell within four balls of each other.

That brought Brook to the crease with the record firmly in sight.

Tilak Varma broke the record for most runs between dismissals in men’s T20 internationals on January 25, 2025, during India’s second T20I against England in Chennai.

The 27-year-old needed 49 runs to move beyond Varma's 336-run sequence without dismissal and immediately showed his intentions, launching three sixes in his first eight deliveries.

However, Malinga's outstanding catch brought the chase to an abrupt end.

Banton finishes the job

Banton, who had missed out during England's record-breaking 254-4 in the first match of the series, made the most of his second opportunity.

He struck the ball cleanly throughout his 24-ball innings, finding the boundary repeatedly as England completed the chase with 47 balls remaining.

England's Tom Banton was impressive in bat and field in the Three Lions's triumph

England have now won 22 of their past 25 completed T20 internationals since the start of last summer, giving them an 88 per cent win rate over that period.

England continue impressive summer

The victory extends England's unbeaten T20 run this summer and gives Brook's side another series victory following their 4-0 triumph over India earlier in the year.

The series concludes at Old Trafford on Saturday before the two teams move on to a three-match ODI series.

For Brook, however, the night will be remembered for a record that was within touching distance but ultimately remained out of reach.

Tilak Varma's 336-run unbeaten sequence survives for now.

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