Jos Buttler claimed second place on the all-time men’s T20I run-scoring list during England’s opening T20I against Sri Lanka at Southampton on September 15, 2026. The England wicketkeeper-batter struck 80 off 44 balls, reaching his half-century in just 29 deliveries and hitting eight fours and three sixes along the way. The knock lifted his career aggregate to 4,292 runs from 161 matches, surpassing Rohit Sharma‘s final T20I tally of 4,231 runs.
Rohit had retired from the format, and his aggregate had stood as the second-highest in men’s T20I history. Buttler now trails only Babar Azam, who sits at the top of the all-time list with 4,596 runs from 145 matches. Across his T20I career, Buttler has recorded two centuries and 29 fifties at an average of 34.33.
Buttler shared a 128-run second-wicket stand with Harry Brook, who went on to finish unbeaten on 114 off 49 balls and was named Player of the Match. England posted 254/4 from their 20 overs. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 135 in 19 overs in reply, handing England victory by 119 runs and extending their winning sequence against Sri Lanka in T20Is to 13 consecutive matches. England took the lead in the three-match series with the result.
England’s bowlers were equally dominant once Sri Lanka began their chase of 255. Sonny Baker was the pick of the attack, returning figures of 3/12 from four overs. Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson each claimed two wickets as Sri Lanka’s batting order folded inside 19 overs. The margin of 119 runs underlined England’s complete control across both innings on the day.
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Where does Buttler stand in T20I history after this milestone?
Buttler’s tally of 4,292 runs places him firmly in second position on the men’s T20I all-time run-scoring chart. His career figures of two centuries and 29 fifties at an average of 34.33 reflect consistent output across 161 appearances for England. Babar Azam remains the only batter ahead of him, with 4,596 runs from 145 matches.
Buttler and Brook had previously combined for a 233-run partnership against India, and their 128-run stand in this match reinforced their standing as one of England’s most productive batting combinations in the format.
