Harry Brook blocks out the noise to lead England to T20 series victory in Sri Lanka

Countless excuses, serious scrutiny and yet he continues to do so. Harry Brook’s 12-ball 36 helped England chase a revised target of 168 in the second Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka, securing a series win.

England were initially set at 190, but a break in rain changed the equation; when Brook emerged, England needed 87 from 7.5 overs. He set up an offside display to turn the chase towards his team. Although the captaincy was short-lived, Tom Banton made a case for a starting place in the T20 World Cup, putting aside his difficult time in the field to stay on course with an excellent unbeaten 54. He has three red inkers in successful chases since joining the T20 middle order last summer.

Sam Curran finished it off with two balls to spare, the win by six wickets, but the tension had disappeared a few overs earlier. Brook will enter the World Cup without a T20 series defeat during his reign, and with decent competition for places in that batting line-up; Ben Duckett went missing again with a bruised finger. “Achieving a series victory in Sri Lanka is a special achievement,” said Banton. Now they have two in one week.

England went in unchanged from the series opener, while Sri Lanka brought in Pavan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage, both of whom had impressed in the one-day series. The hosts started well, just like Friday. Pathum Nissanka uppercutted Curran and knocked Jofra Archer out of the ground, forcing the referee to pick a new ball. Brook was proactive, calling for spin in the third over, but Nissanka dismissed Will Jacks for six as the openers scored 56 for the first wicket.

Nissanka could go no further, his footwork eluding him on 34 as he dragged Archer towards the stumps. That rhythm was established; neither batter advanced to a half-century, but a succession of cameos made for a decent total.

Adil Rashid did not tear through the visitors, but he did trouble Dasun Shanaka: two thrown leg breaks were followed by the googly, the Sri Lanka captain got his leg stuck. Liam Dawson contributed the key wicket of Kusal Mendis for 32, while Jacks was economical.

Instead, the hosts welcomed the fast players, scoring 103 runs in eight overs. Jamie Overton made Rathnayake misjudge the pull, but the lead flew over good leg for six. The Surrey Quick’s anger grew with Banton’s fall at short third to Rathnayake, who top-scored with a 22-ball 40.

Archer, sending his slower ball down with the back of the hand, saw two catches go down when he bowled to Charith Asalanka: Phil Salt could not hold on after overtaking the ground at deep point, while Banton spilled on deep back square. In the midst of all this, the global game became more unstable. News filtered in that Pakistan was boycotting their World Cup match against India, which was to be played in Colombo.

This was a memorable day for Jos Buttler; his 402nd game for England made him the country’s record scorer. While Salt and Jacob Bethell departed cheaply, the veteran looked good and pinned the ball through point for successive boundaries from the lively Matheesha Pathirana.

The opener and Banton got their reverse slaps against Wellalage, but rain interrupted their stand at 57 for two. The stoppage in play lasted just over an hour. According to the revised equation, 111 were required from 9.4 overs; big hits were needed immediately.

There was immediate drama, but it wasn’t fun. Eshan Malinga rushed in for one delivery and fell to the ground holding his left shoulder. The right arm’s play was over, leading to a trip to the hospital.

The game kept running. Banton sent Wanindu Hasaranga over deep midwicket before Wellalage had Buttler caught at deep point on 39. Brook got out. He created a lead from his first ball; Moments later he hit his first dazzling shot of the night, a left-arm spinner move that left the ball screaming for too long.

The brutality was just beginning. Brook hit three sixes off Pathirana and channeled the energy of his 50-plus century on Tuesday. The scoop against the same bowler went wrong, leading to his departure with 38 still needed. But the pace had dropped considerably and Banton, well supported by Curran, continued to win the series with a match to play.