Buttler dethrones Pollard to become No. 1 T20 run-scorer, first to score 15000 runs

Jos Buttler (ANI Photo)

England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler etched his name in the record books during the third T20I against Sri Lanka, becoming the first cricketer in the world to reach 15,000 runs in T20 cricket.

Buttler achieved the landmark after surpassing West Indies great Kieron Pollard’s previous tally of 14,999 runs.The England star reached the milestone with a single off Eshan Malinga in the fifth over of England’s run chase. Buttler brought up the historic feat in his 528th T20 match, having scored 15,000 runs at an average of 35.46 and a strike rate of 147.46. His tally includes nine centuries and 107 half-centuries.

Buttler surpasses Pollard to become T20 cricket’s leading run-scorer

Buttler moved past Pollard, who accumulated 14,999 runs in 754 matches at an average of 31.71. The England wicketkeeper has represented several teams and franchises during his career, including England, Lancashire, Manchester Originals, Manchester Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, Somerset, Paarl Royals, Mumbai Indians, Sydney Thunder, Comilla Victorians, Durban’s Super Giants and Melbourne Renegades.

Top 10 leading run-scorers in Men's T20 cricket

England seal series with six-wicket win

Coming to the match, England defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in Cardiff to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka made a brisk start, with Pathum Nissanka scoring 37. However, Liam Dawson (3/32) and Jamie Overton (2/23) triggered a collapse as the visitors finished on 145/9.England lost both openers during the Powerplay but maintained their aggressive approach. Harry Brook smashed three sixes before Tom Banton took charge of the chase with an unbeaten 52 off 24 balls. Buttler contributed 30, while Brook scored 23 as England chased down the target in just 12.1 overs, sealing the series with 47 balls to spare.