Jos Buttler Achieves Milestone as England Faces Defeat Against Sri Lanka

Jos Buttler has made history by becoming the first England player to score over 10,000 runs in ODIs and T20Is combined. In a thrilling second ODI against Sri Lanka, he scored 69 runs before retiring hurt. Despite his efforts, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by 16 runs, leveling the series at 1-1. Kusal Mendis's century and strong bowling performances were key to Sri Lanka's win. This article delves into the match highlights and Buttler's impressive career statistics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 25, 2026, 07:06 IST

Buttler's Historic Milestone

In a remarkable achievement, England's wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler became the first player from his nation to surpass 10,000 runs in total across ODIs and T20Is during a match in Leeds. This milestone further solidifies his reputation as one of the greatest limited-overs players for the England team.

During the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Buttler entertained the crowd with a powerful performance, scoring 69 runs off 49 balls before leaving the field due to injury. His innings included five fours and five sixes, showcasing a strike rate of 140.82 as England chased a target of 322 runs.

As of now, Buttler has played 204 ODIs and batted in 176 innings, accumulating 5,678 runs with an average of 39.15 and a strike rate of 115.54, which includes 11 centuries and 30 fifties, with a top score of 162*.

In T20Is, he leads the England scoring charts with 4,384 runs from 163 matches and 150 innings, averaging 34.79 and striking at 150.13, featuring two centuries and 30 fifties.

Overall, Buttler has amassed 10,062 runs in 367 white-ball matches and 326 innings, maintaining an average of 37.12, with 13 centuries and 60 fifties, and a best score of 162*.

Additionally, his Test career includes 2,907 runs from 57 matches, with two centuries and 18 fifties, bringing his total runs across all formats to 12,969 in 424 matches and 426 innings, averaging 35.82 with a strike rate of 98.25.

Sri Lanka Edge Past England in Thriller

In a thrilling encounter, Sri Lanka secured a narrow 16-run victory over England in the second ODI at Leeds, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.

Sri Lanka's Innings

Winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to bat first. Pathum Nissanka contributed 25 runs off 33 balls, forming a 45-run opening partnership with Kamindu Mendis, who scored 54 runs off 65 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. The duo set the stage for Kusal Mendis, who scored a brilliant 121 runs off 100 balls, hitting 14 fours and three sixes, marking his seventh ODI century and crossing the 5,000-run milestone in ODIs. Kusal's overall ODI record now stands at 5,125 runs from 158 matches and 154 innings, averaging 36.34 with seven centuries and 36 fifties. Contributions from Pavan Rathnayake (48 runs off 39 balls) and Janith Liyanage (32 runs off 26 balls) helped Sri Lanka post a total of 321/6 in their 50 overs. For England, Gus Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed each took two wickets, while Jofra Archer claimed one.

England's Run Chase

England started strong with openers Tom Banton and Ben Duckett, who scored 73 and 67 runs respectively, building a 143-run partnership. However, the team faced a setback, slipping to 157/3. A partnership between Joe Root and Jos Buttler helped England surpass the 200-run mark. Buttler's 69 runs off 49 balls and Will Jacks' 52 runs kept England in contention, but Sri Lanka's death bowlers, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga, restricted England to 305/9 in their 50 overs. Dunith Wellalage was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking three wickets for 49 runs.