England made a rapid start to the first Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka in Southampton, reaching 90 for one after six overs. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to chase, but their bowlers struggled to contain England during the PowerPlay.
Harry Brook provided the most destructive innings of the opening phase. Coming to the crease after the dismissal of debutant Aneurin Donald, Brook attacked Dunith Wellalage in particular, hitting sixes and boundaries in a 30-run fifth over. He was unbeaten on 36 from 13 balls at the end of the sixth over.
Jos Buttler, England’s captain, supported Brook with 32 runs. He struck boundaries against Dushmantha Chameera and finished the PowerPlay by clipping the final delivery from Eshan Malinga for four. England’s 90-run total was described by the Guardian’s live report as their second-highest PowerPlay score in T20I cricket.
Donald opened alongside Buttler and scored 12 on his international debut. The Derbyshire batter hit a six over midwicket and a four through cover before edging Wellalage to a catch at mid-off. His dismissal left England 36 for one after three overs.
England entered the match without Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran, who were unavailable for fitness reasons. Jofra Archer was rested, while Brydon Carse was also absent. Jordan Cox returned to the T20I side for the first time since October 2025, according to the supplied Guardian report.
England’s XI included Donald, Buttler, Brook, Tom Banton, Cox, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker and Adil Rashid. Sri Lanka selected a spin-heavy attack and came into the match having lost 10 of their previous 15 T20 internationals that year, the Guardian reported.