Jos Buttler has moved past Rohit Sharma to become the second-highest run-scorer in men’s T20I cricket, adding another milestone to his international career during England’s series opener against Sri Lanka in Southampton on Tuesday.
Buttler came into the match needing 61 runs to overtake Rohit’s tally of 4,231. He did so in emphatic fashion, smashing 80 off 44 balls as England posted 254/4 in 20 overs and went on to win by 119 runs.
The England wicketkeeper-batter reached his half-century in just 29 deliveries and struck eight fours and three sixes during his innings. His aggressive knock helped England establish a commanding position before he was eventually dismissed for 80.
Buttler’s innings took his T20I tally to 4,292 runs from 161 matches, at an average of 34.33. His record includes two centuries and 29 fifties.
Rohit, who retired from T20I cricket after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, finished his career with 4,231 runs. Buttler’s latest milestone moves him into second place on the all-time men’s T20I run-scoring list, with Pakistan’s Babar Azam still ahead on 4,596 runs from 145 matches at an average of 38.94.
The milestone came as part of a remarkable batting display from England. Buttler added 128 runs for the second wicket with captain Harry Brook, continuing their prolific partnership after their record 233-run stand against India in England’s previous T20I.
Brook then produced the defining innings of the match, smashing an unbeaten 114 off 49 balls as England finished with 254/4.
Sri Lanka’s chase never gathered momentum. They managed only six runs from the opening two overs before Sonny Baker made an impact with the ball. Baker finished with 3/12 from four overs, while Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson claimed two wickets each as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 135 in 19 overs.
Dunith Wellalage offered some resistance with a 33-run cameo, but England remained in control throughout the chase.
The victory also extended England’s winning streak against Sri Lanka in T20Is to 13 consecutive matches. Brook was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten century, while Buttler’s 80 ensured that the night also brought a significant individual milestone as he moved past Rohit on the T20I run charts.
