BLURB
Jos Buttler becomes the first batter to 15,000 T20 runs, surpassing Kieron Pollard during England’s six-wicket win over Sri Lanka.
CARDIFF
Jos Buttler became the first batter in T20 cricket to score 15,000 runs, reaching the landmark during England’s second T20I against Sri Lanka at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday.
The England wicketkeeper-batter reached the milestone with a single off Eshan Malinga in the fifth over of England’s chase. Buttler achieved the record in his 528th match, with an average of 35.46 and a strike rate of 147.46. His tally includes nine centuries and 107 fifties.
Buttler also moved past West Indies legend Kieron Pollard to become the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket. Pollard has 14,999 runs from 754 matches at an average of 31.71. Buttler has accumulated his runs while representing several teams and competitions, including England, Lancashire, Manchester Originals, Gujarat Titans, Somerset, Paarl Royals, Mumbai Indians and Sydney Thunder.
The milestone came during a strong England performance in the second T20I. England restricted Sri Lanka to 145/9 in 20 overs before reaching 146/4 in only 12.1 overs, winning by six wickets. The result gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and extended their winning streak against Sri Lanka in T20Is to 14 matches.
Dawson was named Player of the Match after taking three wickets. England will face Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday, with the series already secured. Buttler’s record adds another significant milestone to his T20 career as England complete their campaign. The achievement highlights Buttler’s consistency and longevity in the shortest format, where he has featured for domestic, franchise and international sides. His latest landmark came as England produced another convincing display and completed a series victory with one match still remaining in Manchester.